Students, staff and families at Matford Brook Academy are celebrating its first Ofsted inspection, with inspectors highlighting a strong sense of belonging, positive relationships and an ambitious curriculum.
Ofsted inspectors visited the school before the summer break to assess all education phases – nursery, primary and secondary – and the school met the Expected Standard in every area assessed.
In their report, inspectors highlighted the strong culture that has been established across the school, noting that pupils "feel a sense of belonging to the school" and "feel known as individuals", recognising the positive relationships that sit at the heart of the school community.
Strong praise was given to the quality of education across all phases of the school. Inspectors found that children are "happy and safe", with staff who know their individual needs well, and that “children benefit from a carefully planned curriculum across all areas of learning”.
Reading was recognised as a priority across the school, with inspectors noting that children develop a love of books, stories and rhymes from an early age.
In the primary phase, inspectors found that "effective teaching in the primary phase enables pupils to secure the foundations that they need in basic skills, such as reading and number", while in the secondary phase "pupils generally progress well through the curriculum in each subject" and develop their verbal and written language effectively.
The school's commitment to inclusion was also praised throughout the inspection. Inspectors found that leaders have a "secure understanding of the needs of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities" and ensure that pupils receive the support they need to succeed.
The report also highlights the broad range of opportunities available to pupils through sports, music, trips and leadership activities, alongside the school's Community Dining and Discovery Programme. Inspectors noted that pupils are "keen to uphold the school's values of scholarship and kindness" and benefit from a wide range of experiences that support their personal development and wider interests.
Matford Brook Academy opened in 2023 and has quickly established itself as a thriving all-through school serving families in Exeter. Built around its motto, "We Write Our Story", the school is committed to helping every child develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to live a life full of opportunity. Inspectors also recognised that effective teaching ensures pupils acquire the skills they need for the future and benefit from opportunities that develop their interests, talents and independence.
Emily Simpson-Horne, Headteacher at Matford Brook Academy, said:
"We are delighted that this report recognises so many of the qualities that make Matford Brook Academy such a special place to learn and grow. What shines through is the sense of belonging our pupils experience every day and the positive relationships that sit at the heart of our school community."
"As a new and growing school, achieving the Expected Standard across all seven areas in our first inspection is a significant milestone and a wonderful recognition of the culture, care and ambition that define our school. I could not be prouder of our pupils, staff and families, who have worked together to create a school where children feel known, valued and inspired to achieve their very best."
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