New Ofsted inspection report shows that Ipswich Academy is making real progress
Following Ofsted’s visit to Ipswich Academy in October, the inspectors have now published their report (attached below). We are delighted that this shows the school has taken great strides forward and is continuing to improve.
When Paradigm Trust took over the management of Ipswich Academy in 2015, it was rated by Ofsted as ‘inadequate’. We are pleased to say that this new report rates the school as ‘requires improvement’. While this is still below where we want the school to be, it shows we are on the right track and the changes we have introduced are having the desired effect.
We are particularly pleased that the report praises the school’s management. It says: ‘high quality leadership…has transformed the school’ and ‘leaders and staff share the same vision and ambition, and show a relentless drive to improve the school further’. This is clear recognition from Ofsted of the work taking place to transform Ipswich Academy into a school of which we can all be proud.
Reacting to this new Ofsted report, Amanda Phillips, chief executive, said: “This is great news. The report shows that the inspectors are seeing the results of our efforts. Real progress has been made, and by maintaining our commitment, we can bring about powerful and lasting change to this school.
“By working together – staff, parents and pupils – we have the opportunity to transform Ipswich Academy into a vibrant and high performing school.”
A big thank you to everyone who has supported the school and its staff.
Open meeting for parents/carers of Murrayfield Community Primary School pupils
The interim executive board (IEB) of Murrayfield Community Primary School has invited Paradigm Trust to attend an open meeting on Tuesday 22 November at 2:30pm at the school. The meeting is to discuss the likely conversion of the school to academy status and it then joining Paradigm Trust. Amanda Phillips, chief executive officer of Paradigm Trust, will attend and will respond to all questions raised.
Opportunities to join as Head of Department for English or mathematics
Last September Ipswich Academy became the fourth school to become part of Paradigm Trust. There is a vacancy for a senior leader who is seeking to make an outstanding contribution. You will need to be open to fresh challenges, have high energy and commitment levels and work to the highest standards. The rewards are excellent, with Performance Related Pay for the best teachers.
Class teachers (primary) required for January 2016 or sooner
Please click here to access further information.
Best ever results at Ipswich Academy!
We have been celebrating with students today, as they collected the best set of results in the academy’s history.
- Students have made more progress than the national benchmark.
- 48.4% of students achieved A*-C grades in both English and mathematics. This is a marked improvement compared to 31% last year.
- 83.6% of students have made expected progress in English. This compares very favourably to last year’s national average of 69%. 41.1% of students made more than expected progress in English – compared to 30% nationally.
- 61.1% of students have made expected progress in mathematics. This is a major improvement compared to last year (33%).
- 39.2% of students have achieved A*-C grades in five subjects (including English and mathematics). This is a significant improvement compared to last year’s figure of 24.4%.
Amanda Phillips, our Principal, commented: We would like to congratulate our students on their GCSE results this year, which are the result of an enormous amount of work carried out by staff, students and parents/carers to raise standards in a very short period of time. I am delighted by the massive steps that we have achieved since September of last year, and results show that our efforts are paying off. However, we know this is just the beginning and there is still a lot to be accomplished at Ipswich Academy, but we are confident we will continue to see enhanced results year on year.
Paradigm Trust appoints new Chairman
The Board of Directors of Paradigm Trust has announced the appointment of David Willis as Chairman of the Board. The full press release can be found here.
Join us – vacancies for class teachers
Paradigm Trust is seeking to recruit qualified class teachers to work in its primary academies, all of which are based in Tower Hamlets.
Please contact hr@paradigmtrust.org if you have any questions.
Changes to the Paradigm Trust Board of Directors
Please click here to view a letter relating to changes to the Paradigm Trust Board of Directors.
The Docklands and East London Advertiser – 19 April 2016: News coverage for Solebay following appointment of permanent principal
Please click here to view the story as it appeared in The Docklands and East London Advertiser.
