This was an ungraded inspection, which evaluates whether a school has maintained its standards, and while no final grade is awarded, the previous inspection saw the school achieve a ‘Good’ rating.
Ofsted praised the academy’s commitment to children, stating: “This is a school for all. It has a ‘no excuses’ culture. The school’s high expectations permeate its work.”
The report highlighted the vital role of strong relationships in the academy’s ongoing success. Staff work in close partnership with parents and carers, ensuring that pupils receive the support they need to thrive.
The inspectors acknowledged the academy’s thorough overhaul of its curriculum, ensuring a clear and structured progression in the knowledge pupils acquire. The report noted: “The school continues to improve its curriculum. For example, pupils now use their reasoning and problem-solving skills well in mathematics.”
Ofsted further highlights the academy's commitment to reading, with the report noting that “Reading is a high priority. Staff implement the reading curriculum well. They identify pupils’ reading gaps swiftly and help pupils to catch up through targeted support. The impact of this work is strong. In 2024, reading outcomes for the high standard in the key stage 2 national curriculum tests were significantly above the national average.”
Inspectors also commended other aspects of academy life, stating:
The academy has also taken proactive steps to improve certain outcomes through targeted curriculum improvements. Students are now building on their prior learning more effectively, and the academy is committed to sustaining these efforts to continue achieving positive, long-term results.
The report also noted that in some of the wider curriculum subjects the school’s systems for monitoring what pupils have learned are still in the early stages of implementation. However, this is an area of active development, and the school is committed to strengthening its approach. As these systems evolve, the academy is focused on ensuring that it has a clear understanding of how well pupils are progressing in all subjects.
Rob Fitzsimmons, Head of School at Kings Ash Academy, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils, and community being recognised. The report highlights the significant improvements we have made, particularly in our curriculum and our approach to reading. At Kings Ash Academy, we are committed to ensuring every child knows what they are capable of, aspires to reach their full potential, and achieves success.”
Jay Davenport, Regional Director for the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said:
“I congratulate the children, staff and leaders at Kings Ash Academy who all should be rightly proud of what has been recognised in this OFSTED inspection. This positive inspection report reflects the hard work that the whole school community deliver every day to maximise and transform the life chances of the children in their care.”