Kibworth Mead Academy rated ‘good’ by Ofsted after dramatic turnaround

Kibworth Mead Academy has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted – two years after inspectors said it was ‘inadequate’.

The school, part of The Mead Educational Trust, was visited by the education watchdog in May 2022 and rated inadequate – the worst possible score in the scathing report.

But inspectors returned last month and have increased the score to good in education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and management categories.

Principal Steve Piggot said: "The staff and students have put in a tremendous amount of hard work to make this a school that our whole community can be proud of. I’m delighted inspectors recognised this.

“During the inspection we were incredibly proud of our students and how they demonstrated our values of ‘work hard, be kind and be proud’. The inspection team commented on how polite, friendly and well-mannered they were.”

The school on Smeeton Road has some 830 students and is ran by The Mead Educational Trust.

Ofsted inspectors praised the school’s pastoral team, extracurricular activities and opportunities for students.

But they said improvements could be made in implementing the curriculum, with some students given work too easy for them.

The report read: “This is a good school. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Staff care about their pupils’ education and well-being. Pupils benefit from effective safeguarding arrangements.

“Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for the school and are determined pupils will succeed here.

“Pupils take on leadership roles, such as being mental health ambassadors, mentors, school council members and librarians. This wealth of opportunities builds pupils’ confidence and develops character. Pupils spoken to said, ‘I am supported here and get lots of opportunities.’”

Steve Piggot added: The Ofsted report is undoubtedly positive. However, what is most important to me is we continue to provide the highest quality of education, care and opportunity for every child at Kibworth Mead Academy.

“We will maintain our focus on improvement, and on our values of working hard, being kind and being proud. We have the highest expectations and ambition for every child at Kibworth Mead Academy.”