Victoria Academy, Barrow, receives 'Outstanding' OFSTED

Victoria Academy, on Devonshire Road, has been handed a glowing OFSTED report after inspectors assessed the school between February 28-29. This was the first time the school received a full inspection since it converted into an academy and became part of the Furness Education Trust in 2015. It was previously Victoria Junior School. 

The report said that pupils at the school 'are successful, resilient, creative and happy.' The inspectors said that the school has 'very high expectations' of academic achievement, including from pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. 

The inspectors praised the curriculum the school delivers (Image: Victoria Academy)

"Pupils are immensely proud of their school and enjoy attending," the inspectors wrote. "Relationships are strongly positive. Pupils value the expert support and encouragement that they receive from staff.

The inspectors wrote that the academy's pupils 'flourish' at the school with a wide range of opportunities and an 'impressive curriculum.' 

The inspectors said that children 'flourish' at the school (Image: Victoria Academy)

Students at the school behave well, according to the report, and have 'high levels of respect' for each other. The inspector said that they only 'rarely' have to be reminded how to behave and they do not disturb lessons. 

"The school has worked exceptionally hard to address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results in national tests in 2023 for mathematics still reflected these gaps. However, since then, the turnaround has been extraordinary. Current pupils are achieving very well," they said. 

The inspectors praised the school's turnaround after the pandemic (Image: Victoria Academy)

Jane Pierce, the executive headteacher of Victoria and Yalside Academies, said: "We are incredibly proud of the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection which has been achieved due to the continued hard work and effort of the dedicated Victoria Academy staff. I am so pleased that the inspectors recognised that our pupil’s personal development is exceptional and behaviour exemplary.

Headteacher Janine Pierce with students from the academy (Image: Victoria Academy)

"We have worked extremely hard to ensure that our pupils have access to an ambitious curriculum, high-quality extra-curricular activities and within an environment with excellent resources and facilities.’’

Simon Laheny, the chief executive officer of the Furness Education Trust, said: "We are delighted that the dedication and hard work that Mrs Pierce and the team at Victoria Academy put in day in and day out for their school has been recognised by Ofsted and provided them with their Outstanding grading."