Ofsted inspectors find Bexleyheath school 'transformed'

Ofsted inspectors said they found the school "completely changed" during a recent visit to Bexleyheath Academy, describing a "positive atmosphere in classes" and around a school which was "serious about learning."

Two years ago, the school was slammed by Ofsted after it had found the school giving out primary school exercises and pupils partaking in homophobic and racist bullying, among a series of other serious issues.

But following the recent inspection, the 'Inadequate' rating has jumped up to 'Good',

The school have celebrated the "momentous" start to the academic year after a "remarkable" improvement which has seen enrolment increase by more than 90% compared with just one year ago.

Principal Graeme Napier said he was "incredibly proud" of the determination shown to "transform this previously struggling school into a place that the whole community is proud of.”

Bexleyheath Academy

Two years ago, the school was slammed by Ofsted after it had found the school giving out primary school exercises and pupils partaking in homophobic and racist bullying, among a series of other serious issues.

In a letter sent to the Academies Enterprise Trust, who manage Bexleyheath Academy, the National Schools Commissioner Dominic Herrington warned that if there is "no clear improvement" made by next year, the school will have it's funding cut and will be removed from the trust.

Also among criticisms from inspectors was a failure to support students where English is their second language, the school inhibiting staff morale - leading to a high staff turnover, and generally "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education."

But the school has since made wide-spread changes across the board, and a virtual Ofsted visit in February 2021 saw inspectors report that the school was taking effective action to improve following a few "turbulent years."

Ofsted visited Bexleyheath Academy in July, and reported a "completely changed school."

Inspectors said school leaders are "much more serious about learning now," staff were well trained and setting a good example, and the Curriculum is ambitious and broad.

Pupils were described as "polite, friendly and considerate," and were making broadly strong progress in their subjects.

Parents and carers have also praised the changes leaders have made, and the way in which pupils work in the school has been "transformed."

Graeme Napier, Principal at Bexleyheath Academy said: “This is an incredibly proud day for everyone at Bexleyheath Academy. The team has shown a relentless determination to ensure that every student has the very best experience every day.

"It is truly remarkable what they have achieved.

“Throughout the last two years, despite all of the challenges of the pandemic, the team has transformed this previously struggling school into a place that the whole community is proud of.”

He added: "I want to offer a huge word of thanks to our incredible students and their families who have supported the Academy over the last two year.

"Parents have told me how much they have seen the Academy improve, and I know the report from Ofsted will provide further reassurance that students have a great future ahead of them at Bexleyheath Academy."

Rebecca Boomer-Clark, CEO at Academies Enterprise Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Bexleyheath Academy for having their hard work recognised. We are delighted that Ofsted have agreed the school is heading in the right direction. Everyone involved with this improvement should be very proud.

“At AET we believe that every child is entitled to an excellent education every day, and this report demonstrates that staff at Bexleyheath Academy are dedicated to making this a reality.”