Da Vinci Academy praised for commitment and improvement progress

Da Vinci Academy has been recognised for its inclusive culture, strong pastoral support and improving attendance in its latest Ofsted inspection report.

The school was inspected by Ofsted in February under the renewed inspection framework, which has removed the one-word judgements and now evaluates schools on multiple areas. The school received the ‘Expected Standard’ rating in most categories, with a ‘Needs Attention’ rating in two areas.

The inspection highlights the significant progress made by leaders and staff in responding to the school’s context, with inspectors noting a clear trajectory of improvement alongside a strong commitment to pupils’ wellbeing and success.

Inspectors found that pupils view the school as their ‘safe place’, and that they ‘know that they can approach many trusted members of staff for help’. The report notes that ‘pupils and their families benefit from excellent relationships with staff’.

Other key highlights from the report include:

Staff ‘leave no stone unturned’ to improve attendance, with absence reducing sharply and now broadly in line with national figures, supported by persistent and tailored work with families.
Pupils ‘show positive attitudes to learning’, benefiting from calm classrooms and consistent routines. Behaviour at the school is good.
Da Vinci Academy is ‘an inclusive school’, where leaders have high ambitions for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, ensuring they receive targeted support and access to a curriculum that prepares them well for next steps.
Pupils benefit from a well-developed personal development offer, including PSHE and relationships education shaped by pupil voice, with students taking pride in making a difference in their community.
A wide range of clubs, trips and enrichment opportunities broaden pupils’ experiences, alongside a well-structured careers programme. As a result, the number of pupils at risk of being without further education, training or employment after leaving the school is well below the local average.
Governors and the wider trust demonstrate clear ambition for the school, while staff show a ‘strong commitment’ and value the training and support they receive.

The report also acknowledges that, while strong foundations are now in place, there is further work to do to ensure consistently high-quality teaching and improved academic outcomes for all pupils.

Leaders have already identified these priorities and are taking decisive action to address them, with early signs of improvement evident.

Jayne Scattergood, Headteacher at Da Vinci Academy, said:

“We are proud that this report recognises the strength of our inclusive ethos and the unwavering commitment of our staff to supporting every pupil. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that all our pupils feel safe, valued and able to succeed, no matter their starting point.

“While we know there is more to do, we are already seeing the impact of the changes we have made, and our focus remains on continuing to drive this improvement work forward. We remain fully focused on building on this progress and delivering the very best for our pupils and community.”

Alyson Middlemass, Director of Secondaries at L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, said:

“This report reflects the significant progress Da Vinci Academy has made in creating a calm, inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and supported.

“We are proud of the commitment and determination shown by leaders and staff, who have worked tirelessly to strengthen attendance, behaviour and pastoral care.

“As a trust, we are fully committed to supporting the academy in the next steps of its improvement journey, ensuring that the positive foundations highlighted by Ofsted now translate into consistently strong outcomes for every pupil.”