Top marks for primary academy

Churchwood Primary Academy in Hastings, has been judged ‘Good’ by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and ‘Outstanding’ for effectiveness of leadership and management; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and early years provision.

In 2014, the academy was rated as ‘requires improvement’ when it joined the University of Brighton Academies Trust, sponsored by the University of Brighton.

But in its first inspection as an academy, Ofsted praised the academy’s leadership: “The principal provides exceptional leadership for the school. Teachers, leaders and governors share her determination to make sure that every pupil achieves well, both academically and socially.

“The governing body and the academy trust provide robust support and rigorous challenge for the school.”

Churchwood Principal Tracy Curl

The report also noted “pupils are keen to learn and behave extremely well” and that “excellent teaching during early years, combined with high-quality care for children’s personal and social needs, ensures that children make very substantial progress from their starting points”.

Churchwood’s Principal, Tracy Curl, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our first inspection as an academy. It is very satisfying that the hard work of our pupils and staff has been recognised. I am particularly pleased that our ambition to give our pupils the best possible start in their education has been recognised by the ‘outstanding’ judgements for our early years provision and pupils’ personal development, behaviour and welfare.”

Dr John Smith, Chief Executive, University of Brighton Academies Trust, said: "This excellent Ofsted outcome recognises the academy’s progress on its journey to outstanding status. We look forward to continuing to provide support and challenge to the academy as it takes steps to address the small number of suggestions for further improvement in the report.”