mablethorpe.info
Threatened with closure only a few years ago, Theddlethorpe Academy has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.
With less than 50 pupils attending and judged inadequate, the school was taken over by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust in 2016. Today, there are 104 children on roll and the school’s thriving under Principal Susan Cook. It had, she said, been “a long journey”.
“We were quietly ecstatic when the inspector told us we were ‘good’. I am immensely proud and relieved. Parents, staff and pupils were extremely positive in the surveys undertaken by Ofsted. Throughout the whole process, the staff team exhibited a high level of coherence, cooperation, and professionalism. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Trust for its generous support. I am really appreciative of their ongoing assistance. We collaborate closely. In terms of the Trust’s central services – HR, finance, estates and IT – I could not have asked for more. I’m also grateful to Executive Principal Andrew Clark for his ongoing support.”
Theddlethorpe was rated ‘good’ across all areas: quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and early years provision.
It was Mrs Cook’s first Ofsted inspection as a headteacher.
“Overall, I found it to be a supportive, professional and organised process. I feel this successful outcome can be attributed to the thorough preparation by all in the Academy that took place prior to the event. Now we move forward and look at the ways we can improve further.”
For Lincolnshire Gateway Trust, the judgment means its seven primary and secondary schools are rated either good or outstanding. They are Waltham Toll Bar, Cleethorpes, Louth, Somercotes, Reynolds and Pilgrim Academies.
Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said: “Many congratulations to Sue and her senior leadership team who have shown absolute determination to raise educational standards. When the Trust took it on, the school was threatened with closure and struggling for numbers. Now we have a popular, vibrant and successful academy.”
“The report shows it has a great curriculum, great leadership and it is a warm and caring school.”
Investment in a new nursery and the purchase of a field to create an outdoor playing area had paid off, Mr Brown added.
Chair of governors at the school and of the Trust Board, Philip Bond, was delighted.
“It’s a tremendous achievement for the Trust,” he said. “I am proud of the staff who have contributed to reaching the high standards reflected in the report. “Initially, it was concerning about the low numbers we inherited. Now it is thriving and its long-term future guaranteed.”