08 Jul 2026
Samuel Ryder Academy is celebrating an excellent outcome following its recent Ofsted inspection, with inspectors recognising the strength of the school as a community where children and young people thrive both academically and personally.
This was the Academy’s first inspection under Ofsted’s new report card framework. Rather than awarding a single overall judgement, inspectors now evaluate schools across a number of individual areas, providing a broader and more balanced picture of a school’s work.
The previous four-point grading system has been replaced with a new five-point scale, with Expected recognising provision that meets the high standard Ofsted expects nationally and Strong recognising consistently excellent practice that goes beyond this standard.
Under this framework, Samuel Ryder Academy received Strong judgements in Attendance and
Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, Early Years, Leadership and Governance, and Personal
Development and Wellbeing. Achievement and Post-16 Provision were judged to be Expected,
reflecting strong outcomes and high-quality provision across the school.
The report reflects a school community built on high expectations, strong relationships and a shared commitment to helping every child succeed.
Inspectors found that “pupils thoroughly enjoy attending school. They are well known by staff, are looked after and feel safe.” They highlighted the school’s culture of ambition, noting that “leaders have high expectations for children.” and that “pupils know the school wants them to be the best they can be. They rise to this high expectation and achieve highly.”
The quality of teaching and learning was praised throughout the inspection. Inspectors stated that “teachers are adept at using talk to explore content, debate ideas and challenge pupils’ thinking,” and observed that “pupils in the school are highly engaged and attentive. There is almost no low-level disruption in lessons, as pupils are keen to learn.” They concluded that “as a result, most pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey”.
The inspection recognised the breadth of opportunity across the school. Inspectors noted that “the joy of discovery permeates the early years provision,” reflecting the strength of the start children receive. They highlighted that “there is substantial breadth and depth to the extra-curricular offer,” and commented that “leaders have considered carefully the education and experiences that students receive in the sixth form. They are relentless in their ambition to provide the best possible offer”.
Inspectors described “an impressive climate for learning and ethos of mutual support and respect,” where “staff and pupils alike feel valued, trusted and supported.” They further noted that “parents and carers hold the school in high regard,” reflecting the strong partnership between school and home.
Head of school Kyle Barry said: “This report is a tremendous endorsement of our staff, students, governors and families. It reflects the care, expertise and dedication of our staff, the ambition and conduct of our students, the support of our governors, and the trust placed in us by families.
“We are especially proud that Ofsted recognised the strength of our teaching, our ambitious curriculum, and the culture that defines Samuel Ryder Academy. It is particularly pleasing that inspectors saw that our students are known, valued and challenged to be the very best they can be. They also highlighted the breadth of opportunities available from Reception through to Sixth Form.
“While we are delighted with this recognition, we remain ambitious for further improvement and will continue to build on these strengths to ensure every child achieves their very best.”
Chair of Governors Alison Watkins added: “This is a wonderful achievement for everyone connected with Samuel Ryder Academy. The report recognises not only the quality of education our students receive, but also the values, ambition and culture that underpin everything the school does.
“Governors are immensely proud of our leadership team, staff and students, whose commitment has created a school where high expectations and opportunity go hand in hand. We are equally grateful to our parents and carers for their trust and partnership in supporting every child’s success.”
