An academy trust teaching as many as 3,000 Sheffield schoolchildren has been rated 'Good' across the board by Ofsted.
Astrea Academy Sheffield, which operates six schools in the Steel City and 26 in all across the country, has been praised by the education watchdog in a summary check-in of how it runs its classrooms.
It comes after a visit to Hatfield Academy in March 2023 led to the school getting upgraded to 'Good' - meaning all of Astrea's Sheffield sites are now in the green with inspectors.
Praise for the trust included recognition of how it is working to "embed an ambitious curriculum" in schools, the pace at how behaviour improves, and the "expertise and support" given to individual schools by trust leadership.
Inspectors found that the schools keep children at the heart of everything they do, and that leaders and staff are united by working to address disadvantages to help pupils “learn, thrive and lead successful lives”.
The report also highlights the work going on to ensure no stone is left unturned when thinking of solutions around attendance, and the reading culture which is in place across all schools.
Some weaknesses were found in attendance numbers, and the rate of suspensions and exclusions being "still too high" - but inspectors noted that work was underway to cut them down.
Rowena Hackwood, chief executive of Astrea Academy Trust, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ofsted into our schools to see our brilliant schools in action. I am delighted that the summary report echoes what we know about Astrea Academy Trust: that it’s full of hard-working and dedicated staff who are committed to addressing disadvantage so that all children learn, thrive, and lead successful lives.
“We welcome the recommendations from Ofsted. They align with our own evaluation of where we need to improve, and therefore work is always underway to develop these areas.
“Many of our South Yorkshire schools joined Astrea because they needed more support to become the best schools they can be, and this takes time, resource, and determination. I know that all our schools, both in Cambridgeshire and in South Yorkshire, will go from strength to strength.”
Below is a summary of all Ofsted reports for Astrea Academy Trust's Sheffield schools.
1. Astrea Academy Sheffield, Andover Street
Astrea Academy Sheffield was rated Good in all areas in early 2023, where inspectors said: "Leaders are passionate about ensuring that pupils receive an ambitious curriculum. That vision is realised. Pupils across the school benefit from a good quality of education." - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50206244 Photo: JPI Media
2. Hartley Brook Primary School, Hartley Brook Road
Inspectors rated Hartley Brook Primary School 'Good' in all areas in May 2019, writing: "This is a truly inclusive school. The pastoral care for pupils is strong. Excellent relationships with external agencies and professionals ensure that pupils receive specialist support if needed." - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50076323 Photo: Google
3. Hatfield Academy, Hatfield House Lane
It has been a long improvement journey for Hatfield Academy, which was rated 'Inadequate' in 2015 and worked its way up to 'Requires Improvement' in 2019. Now, the school has officially been rated 'Good' in all areas in a report published on May 26. Inspectors praised the school, writing: "Leaders and staff have made the school a positive place to be. Friendly hellos and checks on how everyone is feeling are commonplace... Pupils are proud of their work." - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50218449 Photo: Google
4. Byron Wood Primary Academy, Earldom Road
Inspectors rated Byron Wood Primary Academy 'Good' in all areas in September 2019, writing: Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They are polite and respectful and want to do well at school." - https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50107213 Photo: google