A SECONDARY School in Maldon has been rated good by Ofsted inspectors who praised teachers for the "high-quality curriculum." 

Inspectors visited Plume Academy, which is split across two campuses in Fambridge Road and Mill Road, in November. 

The report, published this week, found the school was good overall. 

Separate categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, sixth form provision, personal development and leadership and management, also received the same assessment.

The report praised Plume Academy’s curriculum as “increasingly well-designed and delivered”.

But it said while pupils build a rich body of knowledge, published outcomes showed pupils in key stage 4 did not achieve as high marks as expected.

“This was principally the result of high levels of persistent absence by some pupils, and some disruption to the delivery of aspects of the curriculum," it added.

The report said the school identified “key knowledge” needed by pupils to succeed while also building upon this knowledge within the curriculum.

This includes opportunities for pupils to revisit previous learning, although the report acknowledged this is “not consistently effective” across all subjects.

The report praised aspects including Plume Academy’s dedication to reading, building up reading ability and guidance given about different career paths.

It added: “Students in the sixth form experience a high-quality curriculum that is well matched to their needs. Teachers build on their knowledge well. 

“Students learn how to organise their time productively.

“They use their time out of lessons well to broaden their knowledge. As a result, they are prepared well for employment, training, and university. 

“The comprehensive personal development curriculum teaches them about current affairs and, in the run-up to Christmas, the dangers of drink driving. 

“The school is well led and managed, it engages well with parents, such as through the parent forum. It has developed systems that are improving pupils’ attendance.”

The school had also been rated good at its last inspection in 2018. 

A statement from the joint headteachers of Plume Academy said they were "immensely proud" of the inspection's outcome.

They added: "We are delighted that the visiting Ofsted team were able to both witness as well as agree that this is typical of what we strive to achieve at the academy on a daily basis.

"We were also pleased that the inspectors highlighted the work of our staff, their high expectations for students and the level of support students receive particularly with respect to their well-being.

"Inspectors also found that the academy’s curriculum was broad and well planned. They praised the range of extra-curricular clubs, trips and visits available to learners. We would like to thank our staff, trustees, parents, carers and indeed our students for their ongoing support of the academy.

"As is always the case, inspections identify areas for improvement, and this feedback will form the basis of our strategic planning going forwards. The report provides evidence of our very positive journey, and as a body of staff, we will only strive to continue to improve further over time.

"We remain focused on what matters for our students and community, and we endeavour to ensure that our students leave the academy fully equipped with the life skills, experiences and educational outcomes that will enable them to enjoy a happy and successful future.

"It is, and always will be a privilege to lead the Plume family. "

Tim Bailey, chair of Trustees added: "As Trustees we are very pleased with both the commentary and grading of the inspection report.

"This can only ever be achieved through the hard work of our leadership team and dedication of the staff as a whole."

He added: "The leadership team have a clear view on where they want to take the school and we will support them on that journey".