The STEP Academy Trust is delighted that Applegarth Academy has been judged a “good” and “improving” school in its recent Ofsted Inspection. The excellent report highlights the pivotal role of senior leaders, most notably the Headteacher and Deputy, in rigorously driving improvements. Given that Applegarth Academy brought together three previously failing entities – Infants, Juniors and a Speech and Language Centre (SALC) – the judgment is a remarkable achievement. The Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP), formerly SALC, was singled out for particular praise.
“The ELP is a strength of the school. Pupils make excellent progress here because of the high-quality provision and excellent leadership.”
It was also pleasing that Inspectors recognised the strong support of STEP in partnership with Croydon LA.
“The academy trust has provided very effective support for the academy and works very well alongside colleagues in the local authority, who provide equally effective support. This joint approach is based on the fact that they both see that they are supporting ‘children from Croydon’.”
Congratulations to all the staff, pupils and parents of Applegarth Academy, as well as the extended STEP family.