Haverhill school's Ofsted report hits impressive new heights

Staff and students at Churchill Academy in Haverhill are celebrating after they were judged to be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.

The school maintained the top ranking following an inspection last month with Churchill being praised for having an “outstanding quality of education”.

A “strong culture of safeguarding” was also highlighted while headteacher Georgina Ellis was described as an exemplary leader with great determination and passion.

Mrs Ellis has now overseen three ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspections after leading Wickhambrook Primary Academy before becoming Churchill’s first ever headteacher when it opened in 2015.

Mrs Ellis said: “I am absolutely thrilled but this is very much a team effort. It is great for our pupils and also for the staff who have a relentless drive to ensure really high standards are maintained.

“Everyone involved at Churchill Academy works together as a team and to sustain an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating makes all that hard work worthwhile.”

After achieving its first Outstanding in 2015, the recent inspection paid tribute to the fact that the school has not been complacent.

Inspectors wrote: “Your vision and dedication, alongside your organisational skills, enable you to create a team of staff who share your drive to prepare your pupils for the future.

“Leaders and staff are dedicated to providing pupils with the skills, confidence, resilience and independence to move on to the next stage in life.”

Describing the school as a calm and caring place, the inspectors added: “Pupils feel comfortable and able to deal with any difficulties and previous negative experiences of education.

“Pupils appreciate the chance they have to improve their knowledge and skills in such a supportive environment where all staff care and understand them. The ethos of high expectations is woven into every moment of the school day.”

That feeling was shared by 11-year-old pupil, Toby Birch, who said: “The Ofsted inspectors asked me and the school council to sum up what Churchill means to me.

“I said it was a high functioning autistic paradise which helps us learn and achieve our full potential.”

Tim Coulson, chief executive of the Unity Schools Partnership, of which Churchill is a member, said: “It is not overstating to say that this is the best report of any school in the lifetime of this trust. Congratulations to all involved in leading and governing at Churchill.”