Today our staff and students are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from school inspectors, Ofsted. Previously rated as an inadequate school, we are now rated as ‘good’ in all areas, an improvement of two whole grades.
Since being sponsored by North East Learning Trust in September 2021, our school has undergone a series of rigorous and rapid improvements, which were praised throughout the report. Inspectors highlighted our “very high expectations for pupils” and commitment to delivering an education that is “stimulating and ambitious”, noting that “pupils are courteous and polite” and “pay attention in lessons”.
They also said that due to highly effective leadership, Rye Hills Academy has transformed in recent years with leaders having "high expectations for all pupils".
Hijab Zaheer, our Head of School, was thrilled with the report, saying:
“I am extremely proud to receive such a positive report, which confirms that our children are receiving a brilliant education here at Rye Hills Academy. Our students have adapted to the changes we needed to make really well and have taken everything in their stride - they make me incredibly proud every day.
“The transformation has been a huge team effort between staff, students and parents and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to turn the school around.
“Although the Ofsted upgrade is a huge boost, my ambitions for the school go much further. I’m determined to keep continuously improving every aspect of life here and providing the very best environment for all current and future students."
Lesley Powell CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the North East Learning Trust, added:
“I am delighted with the outcome of the inspection. It is amazing what has been achieved in such a short space of time with staff, students and the wider community all playing their part in improving the school.
“I look forward to working with everyone to continue this exciting and ambitious journey where a well-deserved upgrade from Ofsted is not the end, but just the beginning.”
Maggie Saxton, Chair of Governors, commented:
“This is fantastic news for Rye Hills and very well deserved. The school has gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to the dedication and determination of staff, students and parents/carers. It is a great achievement and I would like to congratulate everyone who has been involved.”