The Whitley AP Academy Receives Good Ofsted Rating
We are delighted to announce that The Whitley AP Academy, a vital part of our Trust, has recently been awarded a Good rating by Ofsted. This recognition underscores the ongoing commitment and dedication of everyone involved with the academy.
Consistent Quality in Education
The latest Ofsted report confirms that The Whitley AP Academy continues to provide a good education. Led by Headteacher Phillip Hannah, the academy has sustained its high standards since converting to academy status in August 2019. It continues the tradition of excellence established by its predecessor, Calderdale PRU, which also received a Good rating in its last inspection.
We are very proud of the work we do every day to support some of the most vulnerable young people in Calderdale. It’s rewarding to see that the hard work and dedication of our staff team is recognised in the recent Ofsted report. We pride ourselves on the positive relationships we forge with our pupils and their families, and we work collaboratively to ensure that the children we provide for receive a high standard of education.
Supporting Vulnerable Pupils
The Whitley AP Academy serves a unique and critical role within the community, catering to pupils who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools or are at risk of exclusion. Pupils are welcomed throughout the academic year, ensuring timely support for those in need. The academy also operates a dedicated provision for pupils aged 7 to 11 at Lee Mount Primary School in Halifax, currently supporting 11 pupils, with capacity for up to 16.
We’re really pleased with the expected outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection. Phil Hannah and his team have systematically transformed The Whitley AP Academy, formerly Calderdale PRU, into a school that now provides high-quality and inclusive education for the learners that attend.
High Expectations and Comprehensive Curriculum
Ofsted highlighted several strengths of The Whitley AP Academy:
- Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Reflection: The school teaches these core values, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
- Curriculum Excellence: Pupils benefit from a curriculum rich in academic, vocational, and personal development opportunities. The impact is clearly visible in their work.
- Guidance and Support: Pupils receive regular advice for their educational and career paths, and skilled staff help them get back on track with learning.
- Positive Relationships: The strong, supportive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a happy and well-supported student body.
Having good quality alternative provision is a key part of ensuring that we have an inclusive education offer, enabling more vulnerable children and young people to fulfil their potential here in Calderdale. This Ofsted report is therefore very pleasing to read, and I would like to congratulate The Whitley AP Academy on their positive outcome.
The Council is pleased to see the Ofsted outcome of GOOD for The Whitley AP Academy after their recent inspection. We want all children to have hope and aspiration for their future, so to see that ‘the school has high expectations for pupils’ and ‘skilled staff supporting pupils to get back on track, preparing them for next steps in education, training or employment’ helps us deliver this important priority. Congratulations to the Headteacher, pupils and all staff who have worked hard to get this result.
As a commissioner of The Whitley AP Academy we would like to congratulate the Academy for its recent ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement. We are delighted with much of the feedback provided in the Ofsted report. Whilst The Whitley AP Academy supports some of our most vulnerable learners, many of whom struggle with emotional regulation, inspectors noted the focus on the curriculum, helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and preparing them for adult life. It is good to know that pupils both feel safe and listened to. We understand that there is still more work to be done around attendance and pupil reintegration into mainstream school where appropriate. Council officers continue to meet regularly with school leaders to monitor and discuss progress. We were pleased to note the comments made by Ofsted that the trustees and governors understand well the priorities for the school’s further improvement and that, with the CEO, they hold a shared moral and strategic vision for SEND and inclusion, with this school at its centre.
See The Whitley AP Academy Ofsted Report
The Whitley AP Academy’s Good Ofsted rating is a significant achievement, reflecting the hard work and commitment of its staff, pupils, and the wider school community. We are proud of this accomplishment and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality education and support to our pupils. Congratulations to everyone involved!