Ofsted recognised that Colfox School is ambitious for its pupils and has worked hard to create a new well-planned curriculum to increase achievement and students’ enjoyment of learning. The inspectors also found that students have strong relationships with adults, are encouraged to try new things, enjoy extra-curricular opportunities and are enthusiastic about reading.    

The Ofsted Report said: “Recent changes to the curriculum reflect the school’s ambition for its pupils to achieve more highly. Pupils learn about the wider world and other cultures. Pupils at the school enjoy reading and talk enthusiastically about books they have read.” Pupils are ‘polite and attentive’ and describe their school as ‘tolerant and respectful’.  

Adam Shelley, Headteacher of the Sir John Colfox Academy, said: “We are proud that Ofsted have judged that we are a good school. I was pleased that Ofsted recognised that we are ambitious for all our students and that our new curriculum is well planned to increase achievement and our students’ enjoyment of their subjects. 

“We are proud of all our students, and it was no surprise to us that Ofsted found them ‘polite and attentive’ and noted that they described our school as ‘tolerant and respectful’.  

“Here at Colfox, we want our students to enjoy their education and benefit from as many opportunities as possible. I was pleased that Ofsted recognised that ‘what pupils learn is more than just preparation for examinations'. They also noted that our school ‘prides itself on the range of opportunities for pupils to broaden their experiences beyond the classroom’. Our Careers Programme was praised for preparing students ‘well for the future’. 

“The report also captures that we value community. We are working hard to create a strong supportive school community where a culture of kindness can thrive and where student voices are heard and valued. I would like to thank Parents and Carers for working with us to support all our young people. 

“The changes we are making across our school are part of an improvement journey, and I’d like to thank all our brilliant teachers and staff for all they do to support every student at our school as we continue this journey together.” 

Ofsted said that Colfox’s ‘links with the local community are strong’ and were impressed with the school’s sixth formers, who volunteer their time via the school’s ‘Give Back’ scheme to help younger students.  

Ofsted also recognised that Colfox School has responded well to increased challenges following the pandemic by expanding and improving pastoral care and support available to students and adopting a more therapeutic behaviour policy, which has had a ‘positive impact’. 

Ofsted also recognised that ‘pupils with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and those who are disadvantaged receive additional support’ they continued ‘Pupils with SEND are accurately identified and teachers know them well. The school works effectively with these pupils’.  

The inspectors always identify areas of improvement, these such as ensuring new policies are applied consistently were already being addressed.