Washington Academy, part of Consilium Academies, has been commended by Ofsted inspectors for improving the quality of education offered to students. 

Following a visit from Ofsted inspectors in February, the academy is praised for strengthening its approach to literacy and sustaining its central focus on reading.  

The inspectors’ report notes that the academy, with the support of the trust, has acted “with appropriate rigour and urgency” to address the areas that need improvement. 

Teachers at Washington have a secure subject knowledge, present new information clearly and structure lessons well, says Ofsted. 

This is boosted by high-quality professional development in both how and what to teach, the inspectors say, with subject leaders receiving the training and development they need to lead improvement in their subject areas.   

The inspectors were pleased to see that staff at Washington are making students' attendance a priority in a “multi-layered and intelligent manner”. 

The report notes that the academy is working closely with students, parents and carers and the wider community to remove barriers to attending school. 

Ofsted praises the trust, Consilium Academies, for the support it is giving the school, saying this  is having a “positive impact on the quality of the school’s provision.” 

The school is also praised for engaging with a wide range of external partners who are helping with leadership, the quality of education and attendance.  

Victoria Carter, Headteacher of Washington Academy said: “We are very pleased with this positive Ofsted monitoring report. 

“Inspectors highlighted many strengths, including our drive to improve the quality of education, our focus on literacy, our determination to reduce barriers to good attendance and our high-quality professional development for staff. 

“We are committed to creating a school environment where our young people can excel and we will take the feedback from the inspectors to further enhance the quality of education for our students.” 

Michael McCarthy, CEO of Consilium Academies, said: “It is very encouraging to see this strong feedback from Ofsted inspectors. 

“As a trust, we remain committed to raising students’ performance, hopes, aspirations and ambitions and we look forward to continuing to support Victoria and the team as they lead Washington on its impressive journey of improvement.”