Ofsted praises leadership, inclusion and culture at Glade Academy

Glade Academy has received a highly positive Ofsted inspection report, with inspectors recognising strong practice across five key areas and describing an academy where pupils feel valued, supported and encouraged to succeed.

Following its inspection on 15 September 2026, Ofsted judged the academy to be at the Strong standard for attendance and behaviour, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. Safeguarding standards were also confirmed as met.

The report describes Glade Academy as providing a “warm and welcoming environment” with a “culture of high expectations”. Inspectors found that pupils “feel welcome and valued at school”, show “self-discipline and dedication towards their learning” and interact with each other in a supportive and kind manner.

Inclusion was identified as a particular strength, with inspectors stating that “leaders have fostered a caring culture of inclusion at Glade Academy”. Ofsted highlighted the academy’s detailed knowledge of its pupils, targeted support for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and the way staff adapt their teaching to help pupils overcome barriers to learning.

Tracey McCarthy, Principal of Glade Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has captured what makes Glade such a special school: a warm, ambitious and inclusive community where every child is known and valued.

“It is particularly rewarding to see the high expectations we have for our pupils recognised alongside their excellent behaviour, strong sense of belonging and the support we provide for children with different needs. This report is a testament to our wonderful pupils and the dedication of our amazing staff team.

“The quality of leadership and governance was also recognised as a strength. Inspectors described a “cohesive, inclusive and supportive environment” and noted that “staff feel valued in a culture of mutual respect and professional development.”

Paul Shanks, CEO of Eastern Multi Academy Trust, added: “This is a report of which the whole Glade community should be tremendously proud. Ofsted has recognised an academy with strong leadership, high expectations and a genuine commitment to ensuring every child, whatever their background or individual needs, can flourish.

“What is particularly powerful is the consistency of the findings, with strong practice recognised in five areas of the academy’s work. Tracey and the team have established very strong foundations, and our focus now is on building on those strengths and translating the high-quality work inspectors saw every day into even stronger outcomes for pupils.”

Inspectors also praised the academy’s “ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum” and found that “pupils produce high-quality work” as they progress through it. Early years was recognised as a strength, while improvements to phonics are helping children become more confident readers.

Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from a strong personal development programme, leadership opportunities and links with the local community. Ofsted found this creates “a clear sense of cohesion, belonging and purpose” and helps pupils become active, caring and respectful citizens.

The report identifies improving outcomes in national tests and assessments at the end of Key Stage 2 as the academy’s next step, while recognising that pupils already produce high-quality work in school