A calm learning culture has been praised as part of a school’s steady improvement.
The Oxford Academy was praised by Ofsted inspectors following a recent visit, with the report highlighting the positive relationships between staff and students, the welcoming environment, and a strong sense of belonging.
Inspectors said: “Pupils are happy in school” and “feel known and liked by their teachers,” adding that this connection helps foster a cohesive and supportive community.
The school was commended for its calm classrooms, established teaching routines, and positive student behaviour.
Inspectors highlighted the success of The Oxford Academy’s “expert panel” and identified careers education as a particular strength.
The recent inspection was conducted under Ofsted’s updated framework, which replaces overall single-word judgements with a multi-category report card.
Schools are now evaluated using a colour-coded system, with “green” signifying that a school meets the high “expected standard” of provision.
The Oxford Academy achieved this standard in four key areas and was praised for its “systematic” approach to improvement.
Students in the The Oxford Academy library (Image: River Learning Trust)
Areas for further development included pupil achievement, attendance, and the continued refinement of the curriculum, and inspectors were encouraged by the “systematic” way leaders are addressing these.
Nora Ward, headteacher at The Oxford Academy, said: “I am proud that the inspection team recognised the strong sense of belonging that defines our school, and that they celebrated our collective efforts to create a calm learning environment where every student feels known and liked by their teachers.
“Meeting the rigorous Expected Standard in four key areas of the Ofsted Framework provides a firm foundation for our next steps.
“We are now focused on ensuring our cultural improvements further accelerate academic progress and attendance.
“It is encouraging that inspectors already see that our actions have a noticeable impact, and we are committed to maintaining this positive momentum for every student.”
Paul James, chief executive of the River Learning Trust, said: “The Oxford Academy is making sustainable, research-led improvements.
“It is a school where staff are proud to work and where pupils feel safe and supported.
“We are confident that the leadership team has identified the right priorities to continue this positive trajectory for the TOA community.”
Tony Brett, chair of governors at The Oxford Academy, added: “We’re pleased that Ofsted has recognised the massive progress we’re making at TOA.
“The report confirms what our families need to know: our pupils feel safe, they get a warm welcome every morning, a good education, and their lessons are much calmer than in years gone by.
“This school is moving in the right direction, and we aren’t stopping here.”
