Inspectors Raise Serious Concerns As School Rated ‘Inadequate’

Montsaye Academy in Rothwell has been branded ‘inadequate’ by inspectors who have raised a number of serious concerns about the school.

Ofsted says the quality of education provided is inadequate and safeguarding arrangements are ineffective – putting some pupils at risk.

Inspectors visited in November and found the poor behaviour of some pupils leaves others feeling unsafe and causes widespread disruption in lessons.

Other issues raised by Ofsted include:

• The school’s curriculum is poorly planned
• Some staff do not have the subject knowledge they need to deliver the curriculum.
• Pupils’ significantly underachieve
• Shouting and swearing between pupils is common place
• Homophobic comments are routine
• Pupils’ attendance is poor
• Some pupils do not use toilet facilities because they feel unsafe.

Montsaye Academy

HFM has seen a copy of the Ofsted report, but it is still to be published on the education watchdog’s website.

The school is part of the Pathfinder Schools Academy Trust and a spokesperson said:  “We acknowledge and accept Ofsted’s findings about Montsaye School, following its inspection last year.

“While disappointing, immediately on joining the trust our CEO commissioned a number of reviews which identified the significant amount of work needed to improve Montsaye, after a number of turbulent years and changes in leadership.

“As a result of the reviews, an urgent action plan was immediately implemented. It is encouraging that Ofsted has recognised the accuracy of this plan, though comment it had not had an opportunity to make a significant impact at the time of their visit.

“We have since invited United Learning Trust to work with us to accelerate improvement, and together we will continue to work hard to deliver the plan and bring about change.

“We are determined that Montsaye achieve its true potential to becoming a great school, and one which the local community deserves.”

Cllr Scott Edwards, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills, said: “North Northamptonshire Council is aware of the concerns raised in the recently published OFSTED inspection report for Montsaye Academy.

The Department for Education (DfE) is responsible for educational standards in Academies and will take the lead in working with the school to address these issues.  NNC officers are continuing to work with colleagues from the DfE  and the school to offer support and to monitor progress.”

The Department for Education has been approached for comment.