Ofsted rates ‘weak’ TVA as inadequate

The team of four inspectors said the school had ‘serious weakness’ after sitting in on 36 lessons and speaking to students, staff and parents.

The inspectors said achievement is inadequate because ‘too many students, including those with special educational needs, have not made enough progress, especially in maths’.

It continued: “Literacy and numeracy skills are not developed sufficiently for students in years seven, eight and nine.”

“Although the teaching is improving, it does not yet ensure that a sufficient number of students make consistently good progress.”

Inspectors said teachers do not always set work at the right level for students and that attendance was below average.

But there were also some positive points. Inspectors were impressed with the ‘respectful’ relationships between students and staff and said the interim principal had a ‘strong, determined and focused vision’.

Gainsborough town councillor Robin Perry said a number of parents had contacted him with their concerns after the report.

“Parents are very concerned about the quality of the teaching at the school now,” he said.

“A couple of them have been disgusted with it. What makes it worse is that there is no alternative for children in Gainsborough.”

Interim principal Fiona Wainde said the concerns raised by inspectors were areas already being addressed.

“The grading awarded to student achievement is a reflection on the past two years’ Year 11 GCSE results,” she said.

“We are well aware that a greater emphasis must be put on all Year 11’s achieving 5 A*-C grades, including English and mathematics.”

She said the academy was working hard to deliver lessons to the highest standard, set aspirational targets and provide regular assessment to track student’s progress.

“Having been judged inadequate is of course disappointing, however, we are not in special measures,” she said.

“We have a long way to go but I’m pleased the report recognises the improvements taking place.”

“I truly believe Trent Valley Academy is an exciting place to be, for staff and students, morale is high and I am confident we are on the right journey to becoming a good and then outstanding academy,” she added.