Pupils and staff at a Maritime Academy are celebrating a major milestone after receiving ‘Good’ in all areas in their first Ofsted Inspection.
Maritime Academy in Strood, opened its doors in September 2022 at a temporary location before officially moving into its permanent site in September 2024.
The inspection, conducted in May, marks a significant achievement for the school. The report praised the academy for its strong leadership, high expectations, and a nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal development, reflecting: “The school’s values of ‘Strength, Pride, and Unity’ underpin all aspects of daily life.”
Principal Matt Evans expressed pride in the outcome, stating: “This result is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils, and families. To achieve a 'Good' rating across the board in our first inspection is a fantastic endorsement of the vision and values we’ve worked hard to embed since opening. “At Maritime Academy, we believe that we can truly transform lives by making excellence a habit, to support our pupils in achieving successes both at our school and beyond. This Ofsted report confirms that we are doing exactly that. “We look forward to building on this achievement, continuing to grow together as a community, and driving excellence across all areas of school life.”
Principal Matt Evans expressed pride in the outcome, stating:
“This result is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils, and families. To achieve a 'Good' rating across the board in our first inspection is a fantastic endorsement of the vision and values we’ve worked hard to embed since opening.
“At Maritime Academy, we believe that we can truly transform lives by making excellence a habit, to support our pupils in achieving successes both at our school and beyond. This Ofsted report confirms that we are doing exactly that.
“We look forward to building on this achievement, continuing to grow together as a community, and driving excellence across all areas of school life.”
Inspectors highlighted the school’s inclusive ethos, effective teaching strategies, and the positive behaviour and attitudes of pupils, stating that, “[The school] maintains a sharply focused vision for the academic and broader success of its pupils.”
The curriculum was noted for being ambitious and well-structured, with particular commendation for the school’s focus on developing independent thinkers and lifelong learners. The report said, “The school has designed the curriculum with careful thought and consideration. It has deliberately structured the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils should learn and when.”
Michelle Smith, Regional Director for the South East at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, added: "We are incredibly proud of Maritime Academy for achieving a 'Good' rating in all areas in their very first Ofsted inspection. This is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects the ongoing commitment of the leadership team, staff, and pupils to making excellence a habit.
“The school has really brought our trust values to life by putting children first, embracing challenges, and celebrating every achievement. This recognition is so well deserved."
Other highlights from the report included:
Since opening in 2022, Maritime Academy has grown steadily, now serving nearly 600 pupils with continued growth year on year. Currently, there are pupils from Year 7 to 9 and when it is at its full capacity, the school will cater for pupils from Year 7 to Year 13. The school’s modern facilities and commitment to innovation in education support their mission to transform life chances. “The school is a welcoming an inclusive environment, where excellence is a habit.”