'Harmonious' Northampton school makes 'rapid' improvement, Ofsted says

A Northampton school, part of the David Ross Education Trust, has demonstrated 'rapid improvements' since its last Ofsted inspection in 2017 and has been now rated as a ‘good’ school.

The report, which was published on February 3, highlights improvements made since the new principal, Clair Mills, joined Eastfield Academy and now 'all leaders make sure staff have high expectations of every pupil'.

Ofsted inspectors also praised the high standard in reading, mathematics and said effective safeguarding procedures are in place so staff can work well with external agencies to provide support for pupils who need it.

Clair Mills, principal at Eastfield Academy, said: “We are extremely happy with the result of our recent inspection. We have worked very hard as a school and I am delighted that we are now rated a ‘good’ school.

"We have made some great improvements in a range of areas as highlighted in the report and I am excited to continue to develop the school further.

"It’s clear that Eastfield Academy is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that we are now becoming a school which the community can be proud of.”

To improve, the education watchdog said leaders should further develop plans for some subjects, including, modern foreign languages and design and technology, which are 'not as far on'.

Lead inspector, Mandy Wilding, who was at the school for two days in January this year, said how the 'pupils are proud of their harmonious school' and they 'respect the beliefs and range of languages spoken by their friends'.

She was also impressed by how pupils have become 'language ambassadors' and remarked how year 6 pupils enjoyed discussing interesting issues like why the suffragettes risked their freedom and lives for their cause.