Pupils and staff at The Brunts Academy are celebrating after being praised by Ofsted for the strong leadership, inclusive culture and high-quality education.

Following the inspection on March 17, Ofsted inspectors confirmed that The Brunts Academy is delivering a ‘strong standard’ across most judgement areas, including attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing and post-16 provision.

Achievement was deemed to be at the ‘expected standard’ with the report stating “Some pupils still have gaps in their knowledge because their earlier learning was disrupted. Leaders have made this a clear priority for improvement.”

The Academy, which is part of Greenwood Academies Trust, was inspected under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which no longer results in a single overall grade. Instead, schools receive a detailed report card with separate judgements across key areas of school life.

The Brunts Academy has been recognised for it’s strong leadership by Ofsted.

placeholder image — The Brunts Academy has been recognised for it’s strong leadership by Ofsted.

Within the report, Inspectors recognised the significant and sustained improvements made across the school, highlighting the impact of leaders’ work in creating a calm, ambitious and inclusive environment where pupils can learn and thrive. Pupils also recognised this progress, with the Inspectors highlighting how “pupils talk with pride about how the school has improved in recent years”.

Inspectors also applauded the strength of teaching and the ambitious curriculum that is in place, sharing that “pupils enjoy their learning because teaching is purposeful and well structured across subjects. They respond positively to the high expectations that staff have of them, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

The Academy’s commitment to inclusion was highlighted further, with Inspectors praising leaders for ensuring all pupils can access learning successfully.

The report also praises the Academy’s approach to personal development, noting the wide range of opportunities available to pupils to broaden their interests and aspirations.

Additionally, Inspectors highlighted the strength of the Academy’s leadership and governance, recognising that leaders have a clear understanding of priorities and have secured sustained improvements over time.

Chris Fisher, Executive Principal at The Brunts Academy, said: “This is a moment of genuine pride for our whole school community,” he added. “To have Ofsted recognise the journey we have been on together and the strength of our leadership, inclusion and culture is incredibly affirming.

“We are pleased to see the strength of our teaching and the calm, supportive environment recognised and we are eager to continue building on this positive momentum to ensure every pupil thrives and achieves their full potential.

“This outcome belongs to our pupils, who show resilience, ambition and pride in their academy every day; to our families, who place their trust in us and work in partnership with the school; and to our staff, whose commitment, care and high expectations make such a positive difference to young people’s lives.

“I hope this recognition gives our wider community something to feel proud of too. The Brunts Academy is very much at the heart of Mansfield, and this report reflects the shared belief that every pupil deserves to feel safe, supported and inspired to succeed.

“Our ambitions remain high. We are determined to continue improving, building on this strong foundation, and ensuring that every young person receives the very best educational experience, one that prepares them not only for success in school, but for life beyond it.”