'Rapid transformation' at historic Mansfield school wins Ofsted seal of approval

The historic Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, which dates back to 1561, was slapped with a ‘requires improvement’ rating by education watchdog Ofsted following an inspection in 2019.

But now, staff and students at the 775-pupil school are celebrating a notable upgrade to ‘good’.

In their newly published report – released today following a two-day visit to the Chesterfield Road South academy in April, Ofsted inspectors said: “Leaders have worked hard to improve this school rapidly.

“They have established a culture that supports all pupils to learn well. Most pupils show positive attitudes to all aspects of school life. They take pride in their achievements.”

The verdict reflects well on principal Donna Percival, who was appointed only a year ago.

She said: “We are so proud of what have achieved together as a school community. It is a real blessing to be part of the improvement journey. For the staff and students to be recognised in this way by Ofsted is wonderful news.”

Queen Elizabeth’s, which celebrated its 460th anniversary two years ago, has been part of the Retford-based Diverse Academies Trust since 2016. The trust runs 14 schools across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

David Cotton, trust chief executive officer, said he is “immensely proud” of the turnaround in the Mansfield school’s fortunes.

He said: “This Ofsted judgement is confirmation of what we already knew about the rapid transformation of this school.

“It is an inclusive, welcoming and aspirational place of learning, where students are polite and well behaved, keen to learn and ambitious for their future.

“With our strong leadership team and knowledgeable, expert teaching staff, all our young people are able to thrive.”

The school was also rated ‘good’ in all five individual categories of the inspection: education quality; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and sixth-form provision.

Inspectors found leaders “are ambitious for what all pupils can achieve”, including those with special needs and disabilities (SEND), who shared the same lessons and opportunities as others.

Teachers also had “high expectations of behaviour” among pupils, who understood the school’s Christian values well and “were well prepared for their lives in modern Britain”.

“Classrooms and corridors are calm,” the report said. “Teachers do not tolerate disruption to learning, and the vast majority of pupils behave well.”

The report outlined the academy had planned “an ambitious curriculum”, with a wide variety of courses to choose from.

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge,” the inspectors said. “They provide pupils with clear explanations. When pupils need extra support, they adapt lessons to help them.”

The Ofsted praise follows another ‘Good’ rating that Queen Elizabeth’s received in February after a statutory inspection by the Church Of England.

As a school that falls under the auspices of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, it was praised for embedding Christian values into everyday life and improving learning and standards.

Caroline Saxelby, QEA executive principal, praised the “commitment and care” that staff provide to pupils.

She said: “Under the strong and determined leadership of Mrs Percival, the academy has gone from strength and strength. I am confident it will continue its journey forward.”

To further improve, school leaders were urged to ensure “the curriculum is responsive to the needs of pupils” and “all pupils gain the knowledge and qualifications they need to pursue the future options they aspire to”.

To read the full report, see reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/144486