York school celebrates after Ofsted hails ‘remarkable’ transformation

Pupils and staff at a York secondary school are celebrating the results of an Ofsted inspection which recognised its two-year transformation.

Vale of York Academy in Clifton (Without) has been judged as ‘Good’ at its first inspection since converting to academy status in 2017.

This result comes four years after its predecessor Canon Lee was placed in special measures.

In their report, Ofsted Inspector Dimitris Spiliotis wrote:

• Staff and parents are very positive about the way the school has been transformed over the last two years.

  Over the last two years the school has improved significantly. School leaders, with the support from the trust, have improved every area of the school.
  

‘Thoroughly deserved’

The report also praises the curriculum, students’ behaviour and the academy’s work to raise pupils’ aspirations.

Vale of York principal Toby Eastaugh said:

• For Vale of York to be judged as ‘Good’ just four years after Canon Lee was placed in special measures is remarkable – and thoroughly deserved.

  I am delighted for the students who now know they attend a good school, for parents who have entrusted us with their child’s education and the staff who have worked tirelessly to bring about this transformation.
  

“This outcome is recognition of all the improvements that have been made at the school since converting to an academy in 2017, said chair of governors Patrick Looker.

“The report also rewards the hard work of the staff at the school as well as acknowledging the excellent attitude and work ethic of the students.”

Vale of York Academy joined the Hope Learning Trust in April 2017 and is now one of ten schools within the the trust.

Chief executive of the trust Brian Crosby said he was thrilled with the Ofsted report.

“There is still work to do, but I have no doubt that the school will continue successfully on its journey,” he said.