Manor School making strong progress following Ofsted monitoring inspection

Manor School in Raunds has been recognised for taking more positive steps forward following its most recent Ofsted monitoring inspection in March 2026. 

In a letter to the school’s community, Principal Adam Crawte said the report “recognises that leaders and trustees are taking effective action to improve the school.” He also highlighted the school’s “continued focus on ensuring that improvements become fully embedded and consistently experienced by every student.” 

The monitoring inspection, which followed a full inspection in July 2024, found that the school has made clear progress across all previously identified areas for improvement, signalling growing momentum in its ongoing transformation journey. 

Clear Signs of Improvement 

Inspectors highlighted a number of encouraging developments across the school. Attendance and behaviour have both improved, with pupils now more likely to attend regularly and engage positively in lessons. 

Support for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has also strengthened. Staff now benefit from clearer guidance and better information about pupils’ needs, enabling more effective classroom support. 

Safeguarding continues to be effective, and the school has introduced stronger oversight of alternative provision, ensuring that pupils are safe and receive appropriate learning experiences. 

Teaching and Learning on the Rise 

The report also points to meaningful improvements in teaching and curriculum planning. Leaders have introduced new systems and invested heavily in staff training, helping teachers deliver lessons more consistently and effectively. 

This focus is beginning to yield results. Inspectors noted that: 

• Teaching approaches are becoming more consistent 

• Curriculum delivery is improving 

• Pupils’ outcomes in some subjects are now approaching national averages 

In addition, small‑group reading support is helping younger learners build confidence and fluency, while ongoing professional development is equipping teachers with new strategies to raise achievement. 

A Shared Commitment to Success 

A key strength identified by inspectors is the shared determination among leaders and staff to drive improvement. The report recognises that staff are proud of the progress made so far and remain committed to building on these gains. 

Leaders have also benefited from collaboration with their trust and external partners, using this support to redesign policies, strengthen systems and accelerate progress across the school. 

Looking Ahead with Confidence 

While the report acknowledges that further work is needed to fully embed improvements and ensure consistency across all areas, the overall direction is clear: Manor School is moving forward. 

Matt Coleman, Interim CEO of Nene Education, of which the school is part, said: “This report is an endorsement of the hard work and determination shown by Manor School. Inspectors’ findings highlight the progress made by Mr Crawte and his team, with additional support from colleagues across both Nene Education and Meridian Trusts. While we remain ambitious and clear that improvement is an ongoing journey, we are pleased with how far the school has come since the last monitoring inspection.” 

School leaders have reaffirmed their ambition to ensure that every student benefits from high‑quality teaching, strong support and a positive learning environment. 

This latest monitoring inspection reflects not just progress, but growing confidence in the school’s future.