AN ACADEMY has been rated outstanding across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Eastwood Academy in Southend had a two day inspection in December, only nine months after its previous inspection in March last year.

The academy received an overall ‘Good’ rating, but due to several areas considered to be outstanding, Ofsted recommended another inspection later in the year.

The latest inspection praised the head teacher’s ‘clear, unwavering vision’, pupils’ behaviour, progress and the quality of their leaders.

The report said the school’s leaders had an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths, using that to ensure staff training develops individual needs and supports school-wide goals.

It said: “Leaders are very effective in promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils are taught to understand and celebrate differences, to support each other and to reflect on their own actions.

“They take part in debates, enter speaking competitions and undertake a range of visits to places of cultural significance.”

Inspectors also heaped praised on the ‘tenacious’ safeguarding measure for pupils to ensure every pupil remains secure and well looked after.

The report continued: “Relationships between teachers and pupils are outstanding. Teachers consistently establish clear routines and have high expectations of pupils. Pupils respect their teachers and have excellent attitudes to learning.

“The well-established trust that has been developed between teachers and pupils empowers pupils to take risks and ask questions without the fear of failure.

One pupil described Eastwood Academy as a ‘home from home’ and another said that there is ‘support in every aspect of the school’.

The report added: “Teachers are determined to provide pupils with the help that they need to overcome any barriers to their learning.

“The impact of this support is evident in pupils’ very positive attitudes to learning, their high levels of confidence and their resilience in lessons.”

Neil Houchen, head teacher of the academy, said: “Ofsted visited the Academy in March for a 1 day section 8 inspection. The outcome of the inspection - because the Academy was considered to be possibly Outstanding - was a recommendation for a 2 day section 5 inspection.

“The Academy achieved ‘outstanding’ in all categories in the latest report. This is an unprecedented achievement for the school and for a non-selective secondary school in Southend.

“The report reflects the achievements of the Academy over many, many years.

“I am immensely proud of this formal recognition and all those who have contributed to it.”