Highfields Spencer Academy celebrate transformation in latest Ofsted Report
Staff, pupils, and families at Highfields Spencer Academy are celebrating this week following their latest Ofsted inspection, in which the school was rated ‘Good’ in all categories.
Inspectors praised the school for creating a happy and safe environment where pupils thrive. The report highlights Highfields’ high ambitions for all children and acknowledges the strong progress the school has made in a short space of time.
The opening of the report states: “Pupils at this school are happy and safe. The school is ambitious for all pupils to succeed and thrive. Many pupils achieve well.”
The school’s caring and respectful culture was noted throughout the inspection. The report highlights that “respectful relationships are at the heart of the school” and that pupils benefit from a “positive and caring ethos”. The widely understood ‘RISE’ values – Respect, Inspire, Success, and Empathy – were commended for underpinning the school’s approach to behaviour and community.
Inspectors described the curriculum as “aspirational” and praised the school for ensuring that pupils remember key knowledge through regular review. A wide range of enrichment activities also impressed the inspection team, from residential visits and camping experiences to trips that “bring the curriculum to life”, including a recent visit to a space centre and a local castle.
The early years provision was described as nurturing and inspiring, giving children a positive start to their education. Inspectors noted how “children explore the mud kitchen and water play outdoors with enthusiasm and confidence”, and how staff skilfully support language development through meaningful conversations.
Reading was noted as a clear priority, with staff delivering phonics with confidence and precision. The report states that “those who need more support with early reading get the help they need with extra practice to catch-up. They achieve well.”
The needs of pupils with SEND are met with “precision and care”, and behaviour across the school is described as “calm and purposeful”. Pupils enjoy a wide range of breaktime games and extracurricular clubs, including football, netball, dance, and karate – opportunities that were noted as supporting children’s personal development and growing confidence.
Inspectors also recognised the school’s strength in pastoral care, noting how “families appreciate how the school provides them with valuable advice and specialist support if needed.” Pupils themselves shared how they trust the adults in school and know who to turn to if they ever have worries.
Principal, Brooke McCulloch said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, care, and ambition shown every day by our staff, children, and families. At Highfields, we believe in creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive – and it’s wonderful to see this recognised. Our RISE values are at the heart of everything we do, and I couldn’t be prouder of our school community for rising to the challenge together.”
Kate Green, Director of Primary Education for Spencer Academies Trust, added: “We are immensely proud of this achievement. The children and staff have embraced their new RISE values in every way and the progress they have made is seen day in and day out. Well done to the leaders for setting the aspiration and striving for the very best for every child. We look forward to the next chapter.”
Paul West, CEO of Spencer Academies Trust, also shared his congratulations: “Every member of the Highfields Community, and all colleagues at Spencer Academies Trust know how much care and dedication the Highfields team put into making the Academy a great place to learn and to work. We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised this level of quality.”
A huge congratulations to all at Highfields Spencer Academy on this fantastic outcome!