Staff and students at Lakelands Academy in Ellesmere have welcomed the outcome of their recent Ofsted inspection which saw the school achieve ‘expected standard’ in the majority of areas.
Under the new, more rigorous Ofsted inspection framework, Lakelands Academy achieved ‘expected standard’ in achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. This is a high standard defined by Ofsted as the school doing everything that it should be doing, where children are receiving everything they need and deserve.
The inspection praised the school’s leadership noting that they “want the best for all pupils and have developed an inclusive culture in the school.” The report highlighted that leaders “consistently make decisions that put pupils’ needs first, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged.”
The report also highlighted the student experience noting that “pupils learn how to contribute positively to society through charity fundraising events and taking part in community events” describing pupils as “proud to take on leadership roles such as school ‘senators’, wellbeing ambassadors and reading buddies.” Staff were described as “proud to work at the school.” The school also met all safeguarding responsibilities.
The inspection rated attendance and behaviour as ‘needs improvement’ though the report acknowledged that “efforts to improve pupils’ attendance have been highly effective.” These efforts have led to the attendance of all pupil groups being above national averages, for which the school has received national recognition and awards. Lakelands Academy currently holds the highest overall attendance percentage of any secondary school in Shropshire. The report also highlighted that school leaders have “implemented a clear behaviour policy that staff and pupils understand.”
Committed to a journey of continual school improvement
Lakelands’ Headteacher, Mark Hignett, said: “I am incredibly proud to serve our students, our families and our wider community as Headteacher of our wonderful school. When joining the school in September 2023, I promised that, together with my staff, we would constantly develop, evolve and enhance our offer as we committed to a journey of continual school improvement.
“I am delighted that the inspection report recognises and celebrates many of these areas, and this is just reward for the effort, passion and drive of our staff and students.
“The report reflects real areas of strength for our school from achievement at Key Stage 4 and our broad and ambitious curriculum, to high ambitions for pupils with SEND and our well-planned careers programme. Attendance is an area for celebration, and I am particularly proud as this shows our pupils feel safe, happy, confident and assured in our school.”
Mark added: “Encouragingly, the areas highlighted for further development are already aligned with our school improvement plan, reinforcing that our senior leadership team and governors have a clear understanding of our school’s strengths and development areas.
“At Lakelands we aim to provide an outstanding educational experience for all our young people and to ensure they are prepared for further education and the world of work. We genuinely believe in every one of them and set the highest of standards with aspirational targets.
“We are determined to deliver excellence in all we do, challenging and inspiring our students to achieve and to do this this with a smile on their face. We look forward to the next chapter of our journey and to achieving great things as part of The 3-18 Education Trust.”
Lakelands Academy became the eleventh school to join The 3-18 Education Trust on 1st June, just one week before the Ofsted inspection took place.
David O’Toole, CEO at The 3-18 Education Trust, said: “The inspection has confirmed what I have seen for myself on every visit: this is a school with committed, talented staff, dedicated governors, and wonderful children who deserve the very best.
“Inspectors recognised the strength of leadership across the school, the quality of the curriculum, attendance figures that are above national averages for all groups, and the exceptional, highly personalised provision at The Kettlemere Centre.
“The achievement of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, reflects the hard work of every member of the school community, and I could not be more proud of what is being built here. There is a clear focus on continued improvement, and I know that with the full support of The 3-18 Education Trust behind them, the staff and governors of Lakelands will go from strength to strength.”
About Lakelands Academy
Lakelands Academy is a thriving secondary school at the heart of Ellesmere, where it has served its local community for generations. With over 580 students, the school is widely recognised for its strong pastoral care, broad and balanced curriculum, and extensive enrichment opportunities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze and Silver Awards.
Notable former students include Luke Preston, Olympic judoka, and Frankie McCamley, BBC News Presenter and Correspondent, reflecting Lakelands’ tradition of nurturing ambition and achievement.
For more information, see the school website at www.lakelandsacademy.org.uk/
Notes for editors
The 3‑18 Education Trust is a Shropshire‑based Multi‑Academy Trust providing a high quality, aspirational education from early years through to post‑16.
Our Trust comprises of eleven schools bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of 5,600 students, 840 teaching and support staff and 110 governors.
For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.
