PUPILS and teachers at Swindon Academy are celebrating after being judged ‘Good’ in all categories by Ofsted for the first time ever.

The government department carried out a thorough inspection of the academy at the end of May, looking at all classes from Early Years to Sixth Form, and inspectors were very impressed with what they saw.

They praised pupils’ progress and good behaviour, their development of English and maths, the large range of extracurricular activities available, and the academic success of disadvantaged pupils at the academy.

Swindon Academy Principal Ruth Robinson said: “This report is an important achievement for everyone at Swindon Academy and recognises the achievements, hard work and aspirations of our students and staff.

“I am pleased that inspectors could clearly see that we have a positive, inclusive culture which encourages each and every one of our pupils to achieve their potential.”

Ofsted’s official report was released this week and explains in great detail all the areas in which the academy excels, such as its safety record, its respectful and enthusiastic sixth-formers, its positive learning climate, and its strong governance.

The report marks a big improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as ‘Requires Improvement.’

The school was rated ‘Good’ in every category in the report.

Principal Robinson added: “It means a great deal to everyone, staff, parents, governors and students, because it confirms that everything we have been doing to reach the standards we expect, and improve the outcomes we deliver, is paying dividends.”

The report noted a few recommendations for further improvement.

It suggested that pupils need to be challenged more to reach their potential, that early years staff should provide enough opportunities to develop children’s writing skills, that the new provision for pupils with special education needs or disabilities is monitored carefully, and that there are enough opportunities to support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

But overall, the report was full of complements for students and staff.