Delce Academy in Rochester now rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted after standards raised ‘considerably’

A primary school once told it was failing to give its pupils “an acceptable standard of education” has made “massive progress” under new leadership.

Delce Academy in The Tideway, Rochester has been described as a “good and improving school” by Ofsted following a recent inspection visit.

Inspectors from the education watchdog said pupils are “openly proud” of their school, which has made “massive progress” of late.

A newly published report states older pupils in particular have “positive views about the many changes for the better in recent times” and expectations of pupils’ behaviour and engagement in learning have been raised “considerably”.

Its recent re-grading is a far cry from its last report under its previous leadership in 2019 when the school was rated “inadequate” in most areas.

Inspectors commenting at the time had said the school was “failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education” with teaching “poorly planned” and a high turnover of staff.

However, nearly a year later in March 2020, the school joined the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust.

Headteacher Loni Stevens took up her position in September 2023 and since changes were implemented and the new leadership put in place Ofsted says “sensible decisions” have been taken to create capacity for staff to drive improvements forward.

This has been reflected in its most recent inspection which has seen the school graded ‘Good’ in all areas.

Expectations of pupils’ behaviour and engagement in learning have been “raised considerably” which means pupils are “stepping up the mark”, according to its most recent Ofsted report.

It added: “Most are forging ahead, including those who attend the school’s specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“There is no doubt that the behaviour of some pupils got in the way of learning in the past.

“However, the current situation is quite different, and incidents of poor behaviour or bullying have reduced dramatically.”

“The tide has turned at Delce, and the school is moving forward at a great rate of knots...”

The report goes on to add that any bullying incidents are dealt with quickly, and pupils feel safe.

“The tide has turned at Delce, and the school is moving forward at a great rate of knots,” it adds.

The curriculum has also been adapted to meet the needs of pupils and safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective.

However, the report noted that outcomes in reading at the end of Year 6 are not as good as they could be.

It said the trust needs to make sure the school’s work to support pupils to read is as strong as it can be.

The inspector’s findings also show that some leaders are less clear about how well their subjects are being taught across the school.

This means they are less certain about what is working well and what could be better.

As well as this, the number of persistently absent pupils is too high – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The inspection at the mixed school took place on May 8 and 9.

Delce Academy teaches pupils from the age of four to 11, however at the time of inspection there were none in Reception or Year 1, and a few in Year 2.

There are 361 pupils on the school roll.

From September, the Trust intends for the school to become a junior school for Years 3 to 6.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are absolutely thrilled to share the fantastic news from our recent Ofsted inspection.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of our entire school community including many others in our Trust who have supported the school over the years.

“The Ofsted report highlights the strengths of our school, including the quality of teaching, the progress and outcomes of our pupils and the effectiveness of our leadership.

“It also underscores the positive and nurturing atmosphere that permeates our academy, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.

“It also recognises the positive impact of the Trust, and those responsible for governance, noting their positive impact on the school’s journey.”