Allestree Woodlands School has impressed Ofsted inspectors with its inclusivity, well-mannered students and aspirational curriculum – securing a Good rating across all areas.
The school in Blenheim Drive received particular praise for its teachers, including their strong subject knowledge, early support for those students with special education needs, ability to break down complex ideas and effective use of assessments to understand what students know.
Head teacher Gemma Penny said it was also pleasing to read the inspectors’ feedback regarding students’ good behaviour and that the school was recognised for having high expectations of all its pupils.
“It is the remarks in the report we are particularly proud of,” she said. “Particularly that they mentioned this is a ‘highly inclusive school’ and that ‘pupils adopt the attitude that everyone is equally welcome.”
Inspectors also said students were polite and well-mannered and that lessons were calm, with disruption rarely seen.
The school was last inspected two years ago when it was judged as Requires Improvement.
This time, each of the areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and the sixth form provision were judged as Good.
In fact, leaders were praised in the report for the way improvements had been made in a considerate way which made them sustainable.
Mrs Penny said: “Much hard work has gone on over a substantial period of time to ensure that we provide the best for our students, and this was recognised by Ofsted. Our students were a credit to us and showed real pride in being part of our school community.”
