A Romford academy has ‘improved rapidly’ in the past year

A Romford academy has “improved rapidly” in the past year, say Ofsted inspectors.

Drapers Academy’s governors, principal Matthew Slater and senior steam were also praised in the Ofsted report.

Inspectors visited the academy, which has been open for two years, last year, but the ‘good’ report details the results of its first full inspection this month.

Lead inspector Ian Hodgkinson said in his report: “The governors are well on the way to fulfilling their vision of creating an academy which makes a significant difference to the community it serves and to the opportunities for its students.”

He said the academy’s improvement was due to “outstanding leadedrship and management” and the principal and senior staff had developed highly effective methods for monitoring and raising the quality of teaching. Middle leaders were also praised for raising the standards in most subjects.

Students’ GCSE results rose sharply this year with the proportion getting five or more good GCSEs, including English and mathematics, was higher that the current national average.

The report said: “Students are taught well, teachers are skilful in getting them to take part and contribute in lessons, which helps to develop their confidence.”

It added that students are “proud” to be part of the academy and keen to show off the impressive new buildings. They are “always polite and helpful to visitors”, and show each other a great deal of mutual respect.

Inspectors were impressed with the “excellent support” provided by The Zone inclusion centre, which is believed to be responsible for the fall in exclusions to zero.

The school’s sixth form, which opened in September, has made a “good start”, and students are well taught, and value the high-quality advice and guidance they have received about career opportunities.