Globe Academy is a "good school" that’s "rapidly improving" says Ofsted

Ofsted inspected the school just before the Easter break. The inspectors' newly published report says that "Globe Academy is a good school. It is rapidly improving and the speed of improvement is impressive. There have been notable successes in raising students' aspirations ..."

"Across the academy, attainment has risen ... all groups of students are making good and sometimes exceptional progress in their learning."

The academy, which caters for pupils aged 3 to 18, opened in 2008 to replace Joseph Lancaster Primary School and the Geoffrey Chaucer Technology College.

Globe Academy – along with nearby Walworth Academy – is sponsored by the ARK charity.

"We are delighted with Ofsted endorsement of Globe Academy's work and the progress we are making from nursery through to year 11," says principal Jason Baigent.

"I am extremely proud of the hard work and outstanding commitment of our staff, pupils, families and our sponsor, ARK Schools.

"This is a milestone on our journey not its end. We will continue in our determination to make every lesson excellent and to enable every pupil to achieve and exceed their expectations.

"I would like to thank staff, pupils, their families and our governors for their constant support and encouragement."

Mr Baigent and his team came in for particular praise from the inspectors.

"Leadership is outstanding," says the report.

"The principal, senior and middle leaders form a powerful, inspirational team. Everyone understands the part they play in improving outcomes for students. Thorough and regular checks are made on performance and the academy is highly self-critical.

"The governing body and sponsors are rigorous in holding senior leaders to account, and contribute exceptionally well to the academy's strategic direction.

"Targets are very challenging, but the swift rate of progress over the past two years and the strong self-belief that pervades the academy mean that they are achievable. The capacity for further improvement is excellent."

The report also noted that "observations in lessons in all key stages, work in students' books and the academy's assessment information confirm that attainment is now broadly average.

"It has reached this level from a very low starting point for most students, especially those of secondary age, indicating a good rate of progress."

In a letter to pupils setting out Ofsted's findings, inspector Linda McGill explained what the school needs to do to improve further:

"We have asked the academy's leaders to take steps to make teaching even better so that all lessons are as good as the best," she wrote.

"This will mean that you make even faster progress. The teachers will make sure you have time to respond to their marking and they will ask you questions in lessons that make you think deeply.

"They will make sure that work is pitched at just the right level for you and they will teach at a brisk pace to keep you on your toes."

Last month the school hosted a visit by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. David Cameron and Michael Caine came to Globe Academy during the 2010 election campaign.