North Cambridge Academy earns praise from inspectors

A Cambridge secondary school has been praised for supporting students to reach their next step by reducing barriers and raising aspirations.

North Cambridge Academy has high ambitions and expectations for its pupils and this was acknowledged when Ofsted inspectors visited.

The report, which was published this week, said the school had successfully maintained the standards identified in its 2018 inspection, when it was graded good.

A key strength of the academy is its strong partnerships with local businesses and universities, which “enable pupils to access engaging opportunities that broaden their horizons”.

The report said “many pupils, including the most able, achieve well” and “move on to a range of high-quality colleges and workplaces”.

The academy recently won the Collaboration Award at the 2024 Cambridge Independent Business Awards, which recognised the collaboration between North Cambridge Academy, Costello Medical, and the Stephen Perse Foundation.

The report also celebrates the academy’s welcoming and diverse community, with inspectors noting that pupils treat each other and staff with respect.

Principal Jane Driver said: “We are delighted that this inspection reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire school community. Maintaining our high standards despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, ongoing building work, and a growing pupil population is a testament to our incredible staff, pupils, and families.

“We look forward to building on this success in the future, particularly as we unveil the next phase of our redevelopment at NCA. The transformation of our facilities is already making a significant impact, with the new main hall quickly becoming a vibrant hub of school life, recently hosting our spectacular production of High School Musical in February.

“These new spaces will provide our students with incredible opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and thrive in an inspiring learning environment.”

The report celebrates how “staff care about helping pupils to do their best” and pupils trust the staff to sort out any issues, such as bullying.

Beyond the classroom, the report references the school’s community café, which provides a social space where pupils can connect with friends after school. Inspectors commented “pupils talk proudly about the variety of leadership and other opportunities on offer”.

While the report acknowledges the academy’s many strengths, it also highlights areas where they can continue to improve, particularly in ensuring that all lessons are consistently adapted to meet the additional needs of pupils.

The academy, which is part of the Meridian Trust, says it will continue to build on its approach to ensure that every student receives the tailored support they need to succeed.

Mark Woods, trust CEO, added: “North Cambridge Academy’s continued success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. Since joining Meridian Trust in 2013, the academy has been recognised by Ofsted three times for its high-quality provision, reflecting the significant and sustained improvements made over the years.

“This achievement is made possible by the strong partnerships, ambitious vision, and dedication of staff across our trust, all working together to create an environment where pupils can truly thrive. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this fantastic outcome.”