Corby Business Academy remote inspection finds staff are 'taking effective action'

Staff and pupils at Corby Business Academy are celebrating after an Ofsted monitoring inspection praised school's provision during the pandemic.

At its last full inspection in 2019, the school in Academy Way was said to require improvement and as a consequence is subject to regular monitoring visits by Ofsted.

They conducted a remote inspection in March with inspectors holding virtual meetings with members of the senior leadership team, curriculum leaders, the special educational needs co-ordinator, pupils, members of the governing body and trust.

They said: “Leaders have ensured that pupils continue to study the usual range of subjects in the school’s curriculum, whether in school or at home. Many parents commented positively on leaders’ efforts to provide education over the past year and the support provided for remote learning.”

Inspectors also praised the academy’s support for pupils across a number of areas, from careers education and personal development to reading. The report says: “Pupils who struggle with reading receive the extra help they need to improve their reading knowledge.

"Leaders have increased opportunities for all pupils to read more widely and develop their vocabulary across subjects.”

The report found that leaders have made improving the learning of pupils with SEND in the main school a priority. It said: “Leaders have ensured that vulnerable pupils and pupils with SEND continue to get the help and support from outside agencies that they need. The specialist unit provides effective support for pupils’ academic and personal development.”

Inspectors also noted “rapid improvements to morale and to the culture of the school.”

Principal Simon Underwood said: “I am incredibly proud of the findings of our latest Ofsted monitoring inspection. Despite the challenges of the last year, we have continued to work hard to provide high quality educational experiences for our students, nurturing and valuing their individual skills and aspirations. This has been matched and supported by our incredible community relationships with students, parents and carers

“It is great to see Ofsted recognise the progress we have made so far, supported by our colleagues from Brooke Weston Trust. I’d like to thank all staff for the hard work and dedication they have shown in helping us to achieve this report.”