Richard Barnes Academy has received a highly positive Ofsted inspection report following its evaluation in October.
The academy achieved a "Good" rating in all four key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This recognition highlights the academy's commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
The Ofsted report praised several aspects of the academy's performance, stating that "leaders have established a culture of high expectations and inclusivity." Inspectors noted that "pupils feel safe and are safe here," reinforcing the importance of emotional security in the learning environment. The report also emphasised that "pupils learn that adults will not give up on them," reflecting the strong relationships built between staff and students.
In addition, the report noted that, "Since the school joined the Trust, leaders have significantly improved the quality of education," with all pupils engaging in their studies and a much higher proportion of learners successfully achieving important qualifications. The inspectors remarked that "the school’s academic and vocational curriculum is well designed," ensuring a personalised learning journey for each pupil. They also highlighted that "pupils succeed when they return to mainstream schools," showcasing the academy's effectiveness in preparing students for future success.
Richard Barnes Academy is an alternative provision setting, serving pupils aged 5 to 16 who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools or are at risk of exclusion. It operates from two campuses: the Fitzwilliam campus on Williamson Avenue and the Trinity campus in Paston, providing vital educational support for its students.
Claire Everton, Principal at Richard Barnes Academy, expressed her pride in the academy's achievements: "This recognition reflects the hard work of our dedicated staff, both in our academy and Trust, and the resilience of our students. We aim to provide a distinctive, purposeful learning environment, working closely with pupils and their families to provide education tailored to their individual needs.
“Our academy values of Ambition, Character and Safe encourage all our students to be the best version of themselves, both now and in the future. We are incredibly proud of this Ofsted report which is testament to the commitment, expertise and care that goes into providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all learners at RBA.”
Scott Hudson, Chief Executive, TDET, commented on the significance of the report: "The findings from Ofsted confirm our belief that Richard Barnes Academy delivers a high-quality education to its pupils. RBA serves the city of Peterborough, and we are delighted that the quality of Claire’s leadership and the dedication of her colleagues, working alongside partners in schools and the Local Authority has been recognised. We are committed to supporting RBA’s continued improvements." His remarks highlight TDET's ongoing commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.
The full report can be found here.