Ash Grove Academy in Macclesfield is graded 'Outstanding' by school inspector Ofsted
By Alex Greensmith
21st Aug 2024 | Local News
A south Macclesfield school has secured an 'Outstanding' rating from the governing body Ofsted.
Ash Grove Academy, of Belgrave Road, impressed Ofsted inspectors during a recent visit.
Ash Grove scored 'Outstanding' in all five categories, from early years provision, to quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, to leadership and management.
The report highlighted how pupils 'love coming to school', and praise Ash Grove for their 'highly ambitious curriculum'.
Macclesfield Nub News went to the school to meet Principal Judith Ceuppens and Head of School Sally Veale for a chat.
"OFSTED came in during SATS week which was quite a surprise really", said Judith.
"We had been expecting them for a long time, we were last inspected in 2013.
"Every Monday morning, we would think 'it could be this week'. It was in the middle of the reading paper when they rang, and they were here the next day.
"It was a very intense two days, but the outcome was brilliant.
"We thought we were an outstanding school and it was good to have that verified by the inspectors.
"Ash Grove is a very special place and a real community school. Most of our children come from the Moss Estate. And it is very much about knowing our families, working with our families, establishing that relationship. We feel we do that exceptionally well, and Sally drove our exceptional curriculum.
"We have very high expectations of our children, whatever their ability, wherever they are from. That has proved very successful, Ofsted acknowledged that.
"We also have a strong, mental health, emotional support strategy."
The school's curriculum includes Spanish for all Key Stage 2 pupils, and an award-winning arts and cultural education programme.
Children's personal character development is also championed, by giving them plenty of opportunities to present in assemblies, take part in performances and extra-curricular activities. Recent school trips have gone as far as London, where Ash Grove pupils enjoyed a West End show.
As well as being able to call themselves an Ofsted Outstanding school, Ash Grove also boasts the title as a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting school (another one of the highest honours).
"The children are at the heart of everything", said Sally.
"Every decision that is made, if it is not going to have a positive impact on the children, then we won't do it.
"Our staff are wonderful, we don't have much staff movement, a lot of our staff have been here for a long time," added Judith.
"It is hard work for everyone involved, but it is so worthwhile when you have that external validation from OFSTED," Sally also said.
"Within the report, the highlights for me were how personal development shone through, and how the 'children are given the responsibilities to become citizens of the future', and their conduct was 'impeccable'."
The school was historically known as Ash Grove Primary and Nursery School, but this is the first inspection the academy has had under the new name and status.
For Judith, she believes this achievement is a real team effort.
"We would like to say thank you to all of the staff, not just those in the classroom, literally every single member from our site manager to midday assistants and cleaners, everybody," added Judith.
"They are all invested in the school, it is a school for the community. Some of our staff live on the Moss Estate, or went to school here. It has a really family feel to it, I have never worked anywhere quite like it, it is a wonderful place to work."
Over 45 people work at Ash Grove Academy, with 238 pupils currently on the roll.
Ash Grove Academy is part of The Aspire Educational Trust, which also includes local educational institutions like Hollinhey Primary School, Ivy Bank Primary School, Puss Bank School & Nursery, and Parkroyal Community School.
"I would like to say a big thank you to the Trust for their ongoing guidance and support," explained Judith.
"The parents have been amazing as well, with their continued support for the school."
Judith has been principal for three years, but was acting principal before that.
However, Judith is now stepping down, and Sally is stepping up, the outgoing principal has had time to reflect on her tenure and the school's future.
Judith mentioned that one of her goals along her tenure was to make the sport more competitive in school, and this year, despite the fact they do not have a netball court, their Year 5 and 6 team finished third in the local league. This is evidence of the positive impact the focus on sport and fitness is having on the children.
"Sally is an exceptional person, she lives and breathes the Ash Grove values," told Judith.
Sally was equally complimentary of Judith.
"I would absolutely not be stepping up in September if it wasn't for Judith," Sally revealed.
"I started my leadership journey with her, she has remained calm, sensible, pragmatic and kept me grounded.
"Judith has been a very true friend, and that friendship will go beyond us working together."
As Judith heads into retirement and Sally is moving up, Nicola Lucas will be the new vice principal.
But Ash Grove Academy is not resting on their laurels with the top marks from Ofsted. Sally wants to continue to build on the social and emotional aspect of the school, as well as maintaining the highest standard of Rights Respecting.
Macclesfield: You can read the full Ofsted report for yourself HERE.
"We also just renewed our Gold Mark Sports Award, so it has been a really good year for us," concluded Sally.
"Thank you to everyone for all the support. We are looking forward to the future."
Macclesfield: You can find more about the school and make enquiries on their website VIA THIS LINK.
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