Ofsted Report – October 2026

As you are aware, we were inspected by Ofsted last half term and I am delighted to be able to share with you the attached report following this two-day inspection.

This report reflects the tremendous work of our students, staff, governors and families, and I would like to thank you sincerely for the support you give to the school every day. The overwhelmingly positive feedback provided through the parent survey was noted by inspectors and this is testament to the whole school community.

As many of you will be aware, Ofsted’s new inspection framework has introduced a significantly higher standard for schools to reach. Nationally, there has been considerable discussion about the level of challenge it presents and the expectations it places on schools. The new framework no longer provides one overall grading for schools, instead judging schools across six separate areas. The benchmark is now to meet the Expected standard, and this is where many schools previously judged Good have been placed.

Against this challenging backdrop, we are immensely proud that Droylsden Academy met the Expected standard in every area and achieved the higher judgement of Strong in four of the six areas:

• Inclusion – Strong
• Achievement – Strong
• Teaching and Curriculum – Strong
• Attendance and Behaviour – Expected
• Personal Development and Wellbeing – Expected
• Leadership and Governance – Strong

No other high school in Tameside has yet achieved a Strong judgement in any category under the new framework, making this a particularly significant achievement for our school community.

However, what makes me most proud is not the grades themselves, but what inspectors found when they spent time in our classrooms, corridors and wider community. Their report describes a school where pupils are ambitious, hardworking and proud of their school. They noted that “during lessons, pupils have positive attitudes to learning” and that they understand “that a positive work ethic secures positive results.” Inspectors also observed that “pupils know what is expected of them as they arrive at school.

They wear their uniform with pride and have the correct equipment to make a success of the day ahead.”

The inspection team was particularly impressed by the calm and purposeful atmosphere around the school, noting that “pupils’ conduct supports a purposeful learning environment where teachers can teach and their peers can learn. They are calm and focused on the task in hand, keen to learn more.”

Importantly, the report recognises our determination to ensure that every child is supported to succeed. Inspectors found that “leaders are driven by an impassioned commitment to reduce any barriers to learning or wellbeing that a pupil may face” and that “leaders act promptly to try something new. As a result, pupils consistently receive the support that they need.” These comments reflect a core belief of

The report also highlights the excellent outcomes achieved by our students, recognising that “pupils attain results in the examinations at the end of key stage 4 above those of their peers nationally.” These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our students, the expertise of our staff and the support provided by families over many years.

Inspectors also recognised that education at Droylsden Academy is about much more than examination results. They praised the opportunities available through our Electives Programme, noting that “pupils have a range of opportunities to nurture different interests and uncover hidden talents” through activities including robotics, dance and sustainability projects, concluding that “there is something for everyone.”

Parents often tell us that they value not only academic success but also the safety, wellbeing and personal development of their children. It was therefore especially pleasing that inspectors found that “bullying, derogatory language and unkind behaviours, both in person and online, are uncommon” and that leaders take effective action whenever issues arise.

Ultimately, this report is not really about inspection judgements. It is about people. It is about the thousands of students, past and present, whose hard work, character, kindness and ambition have helped shape the school we are today. It is about a dedicated staff team who believe passionately in young people and work tirelessly on their behalf. Most importantly, it is about a community of families who support their children and the school so wholeheartedly.

The report concludes that leaders have “an unrelenting drive for evermore success” and “place no limits on what can be achieved by pupils and staff at Droylsden Academy.” Whilst we are naturally proud of this recognition, I would like to assure you that our aims have not changed and we will work tirelessly to ensure that the school continues to develop and improve – our students and families deserve the very best and that is what drives us.

Thank you once again for your continued support and for the trust you place in us. This achievement belongs to all of us, but above all it belongs to our students, who continue to make us proud every day

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