Ofsted rates King’s Leadership Academy Bolton as “Good” and finds pupils keen to “excel”

King’s Leadership Academy Bolton’s first Ofsted inspection has rated the school as “Good” and says it is “welcoming and friendly” where pupils have a “motivation and keenness to excel”. 

It is the first Ofsted inspection for the school since opening in September 2019 and comes as we prepare to move to our new building at the start of the Spring term in January. 

Inspectors visited on 17 and 18 October and awarded “Good” ratings in all four of the Ofsted assessment categories for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.  

In the report, Inspectors found that pupils’ behaviour and conduct created a “purposeful learning environment” where there is respect and tolerance for giving “opportunities to celebrate diversity”. It means that “regardless of their differences” everyone feels part of the school community. 

A “breadth and depth” to the curriculum provides the essential knowledge needed to learn and the school’s leadership team works to “continually improve the quality of education for all pupils”.

King’s Bolton was also praised for prioritising reading, supporting those who need help and promoting a wide range of books leading to most pupils reading “widely and often”. 

The school’s “enhanced systems to identify and support” those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are highlighted several times in the report. Inspectors felt that access to the full curriculum is an important factor in SEND pupils being able to “engage fully in school life” and builds their confidence and communication skills, leading many to take on leadership roles such as in the ‘student parliament’. 

Through a “comprehensive programme that promotes personal development” almost all pupils, including those with SEND, complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Year 9, undertake trips to the theatre, museums and different countries and support events in the wider community. These activities “encourage pupils to be resilient and work together as a team” and give a “secure understanding of life in modern Britain and the wider world”.

Amina Modan, the Lead inspector, notes “most pupils work hard and achieve well overall” and staff equip “pupils with the skills that they need for success beyond school”. 

Principal, David Crosby said: “I am extremely proud that our first Ofsted inspection has brought a “Good” rating and it is perfectly timed as we prepare to move into our new school building. 

“Our school community’s commitment has helped us achieve this rating and it is also pleasing that the inspectors have taken the time to recognise something we see every day in that our pupils’ behave well and “work hard”.

King’s Bolton is part of the Great Schools Trust and Chief Executive Shane Ierston added: “King's Leadership Academy Bolton is more than a school; it's a vibrant community celebrating diversity, nurturing aspirations, and empowering students to succeed. Here, each child is part of a larger family, united in pursuing knowledge and success."

Read the full report here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/147077