An academy in Maldon is celebrating after receiving a good Ofsted report.

Plume Academy was rated as good in all areas of its school inspection, in a report published this week.

The inspector praised the leadership at the school, quality of teaching, pupil outcomes, personal development and the 16 to 19 study programmes.

The report stated: “The principal has galvanised staff.

“He has brought an increased focus to the school and, together with staff, has raised the benchmark in term of expectations.

“Pupils notice the difference and respond to the increased level of challenge.

“They feel that they can achieve more.”

Students of all abilities are catered for at the school.

The report continued: “Pupils who have special educational needs or disabilities are having their needs well met.

“They make the same good progress as other pupils.”

Teachers were also praised. The report stated: “Teachers use the information on what pupils know and can do to plan activities that help pupils to learn well.

“Where learning is most effective, pupils make strong progress because they listen attentively, are interested in what they are doing and are eager to learn.

“Teachers treat pupils with respect and consequently build strong and productive relationships.

“Time in lessons is used well because staff inject humour effectively alongside high-quality discussion.”

The school maintained its previous ratings but areas where improvements can be made, such as the teaching of mathematics, were highlighted.

There is also a need to push the most able students to fulfil their potential and help the less able also to help the school work towards an outstanding rating in the future

Head praises staff and students

The head of Maldon’s academy has praised his staff and pupils following an inspection.

Carl Wakefield said he was “immensely proud” of the efforts at Plume Academy in Maldon after the successful inspection in January.

Mr Wakefield said: “These outcomes were very much justified in my eyes as I am most fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team of teaching and support staff as well as nearly 1,700 excellent young people.

“They work hard and to an excellent set of standards and expectations on a daily basis and I am delighted the visiting Ofsted team were able to both witness as well as agree this is typical of what we continue to strive to achieve at Plume Academy.

“I would also like to sincerely thank our parents and carers as this report is something they too should feel immensely proud of.

“I can wholeheartedly assure our parents, carers and the Maldon community that we will not rest on our laurels.

“We will only strive to continue to further improve over time and ensure our students receive the best educational experience and ensuing outcomes.”