Greenwood Academies Trust

Pupils and staff at The Brunts Academy are celebrating after being praised by Ofsted for the strong leadership, inclusive culture and high-quality education that support pupils to succeed in school and beyond.

The Academy, which is part of Greenwood Academies Trust, was inspected under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which no longer results in a single overall grade. Instead, schools receive a detailed report card with separate judgements across key areas of school life, offering parents and carers a more balanced picture of a school’s strengths and priorities.

Following the inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Brunts Academy is delivering a strong standard across most judgement areas, including attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing and post-16 provision. The report also confirmed that safeguarding standards are met and that achievement is at the expected standard.

Within the report, Inspectors recognised the significant and sustained improvements made across the school, highlighting the impact of leaders’ work in creating a calm, ambitious and inclusive environment where pupils can learn and thrive. Pupils also recognised this progress, with the Inspectors highlighting how “pupils talk with pride about how the school has improved in recent years."

Inspectors also applauded the strength of teaching and the ambitious curriculum that is in place, sharing that “pupils enjoy their learning because teaching is purposeful and well-structured across subjects. They respond positively to the high expectations that staff have of them, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

The Academy’s commitment to inclusion was highlighted further, with Inspectors praising leaders for ensuring all pupils can access learning successfully. The report states that “leaders take decisions that are firmly in the best interests of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those known, or previously known, to children’s social care. They maintain a sharp focus on reducing barriers to learning so that all pupils can participate fully in school life.”

The report also praises the Academy’s approach to personal development, noting the wide range of opportunities available to pupils to broaden their interests and aspirations. Pupils benefit from enrichment activities, leadership opportunities and careers guidance that help develop confidence, independence and a strong understanding of their future pathways.

Additionally, Inspectors highlighted the strength of the Academy’s leadership and governance, recognising that leaders have a clear understanding of priorities and have secured sustained improvements over time. Staff also described feeling valued and supported, contributing to a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Chris Fisher, Executive Principal at The Brunts Academy, said:

“This is a moment of genuine pride for our whole school community. To have Ofsted recognise the journey we have been on together and the strength of our leadership, inclusion and culture is incredibly affirming.

“We are pleased to see the strength of our teaching and the calm, supportive environment recognised and we are eager to continue building on this positive momentum to ensure every pupil thrives and achieves their full potential.

“This outcome belongs to our pupils, who show resilience, ambition and pride in their academy every day; to our families, who place their trust in us and work in partnership with the school; and to our staff, whose commitment, care and high expectations make such a positive difference to young people’s lives.

“I hope this recognition gives our wider community something to feel proud of too. The Brunts Academy is very much at the heart of Mansfield, and this report reflects the shared belief that every pupil deserves to feel safe, supported and inspired to succeed.

“Our ambitions remain high. We are determined to continue improving, building on this strong foundation, and ensuring that every young person receives the very best educational experience, one that prepares them not only for success in school, but for life beyond it.”

Wayne Norrie, CEO of Greenwood Academies Trust, added:

“This is a brilliant and very well-deserved outcome for The Brunts Academy community. The report recognises the strength of leadership, the inclusive culture that has been built and the clear focus on providing the best possible education for all pupils.

“It is fantastic to see the positive impact this is having on pupils’ experiences and I look forward to continuing to proudly support the Academy as it goes from strength to strength and ensures our young people are developing the knowledge and confidence they need for their futures.”