Ofsted report finds new Swindon school 'inadequate'

Parents and carers of pupils at the school felt they were not being listened to and there is a culture of 'mistrust'

A new secondary school has been given the lowest possible rating by Ofsted inspectors, with failings across several areas.

Since opening in 2019, the Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe near Swindon has seen frequent changes in leadership and teaching staff.

Ofsted inspectors said pupils were "not well prepared for life in modern Britain".

They also noted gaps in curriculum, and issues with attendance and behaviour.

The Deanery CE Academy, which was inspected by Ofsted in September 2023, is part of the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, which means other schools in the trust also have a responsibility for running the academy.

The report stated the trust had an 'overgenerous' view of the school and was not doing enough to tackle issues.

Ofsted found that behaviour and attitudes at the school 'require improvement'

The school has received an 'inadequate' rating across all areas of leadership and management, quality of education, and personal development.

According to the report, pupils had not received the opportunity to discuss discrimination or "fundamental British values", and as such did not understand that homophobic or racist comments were unacceptable.

A new 'values in practice' curriculum will be implemented to help the school support pupils' personal development.

Ofsted also stated the school had a lack of understanding on children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and that support requirements were not being met.

The school opened in 2019

Lack of career guidance, advice on further education, and age-appropriate sex education were also cited in the Ofsted report.

Frequent changes in teaching staff and a disjointed curriculum were mentioned as key issues by inspectors.

Ofsted advised that a curriculum breakdown must be followed by all staff, so that students across classrooms are learning the same topics at the same time.

They also advised the Deanery CE Academy fill all positions with experienced teachers.

The Trust said it is committed to improving students' experiences and understand the need for change.

A spokesperson for Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) of Bristol Diocese said they are "deeply saddened by the outcome" and acknowledge "student progress is not good enough and significant work will be required to ensure the academy is a place where students and staff can flourish".

"In this difficult time, DBE is keeping the staff, parents and students in mind and is supporting DBAT and The Deanery CE Academy as they develop solutions to move forward.

"The trustees of the school acknowledge the committed work of DBAT staff who have been engaged in many ongoing improvements over recent months. DBAT is working with partners, including the Regional Director for the South West and Diocesan Board to develop additional support for the school," they added.

Councillor Adorabelle Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for education, said: "This is incredibly disappointing news for the children, parents, staff and everyone associated with The Deanery.

"It is imperative that swift and decisive action is now taken to ensure the school provides the standard of education that its pupils deserve.

"We will be working closely with the Department for Education's Regional Director and the Diocesan Trust to ensure that this improvement journey starts immediately."

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