Secondary school in Blackheath celebrates 'good' Ofsted rating
The new Ofsted rating is the result of a determined and focused programme of improvement since its previous inspection in 2017, when the school was rated as ‘Requires Improvement’.
St Matthew Academy is a Roman Catholic primary and secondary school for children aged four to 16 in Blackheath, Lewisham.
Highlights from the new inspection report include:
- The school has improved a great deal since the last inspection and provides pupils with a good quality of education.
- Pupils say they are happy at school and are not worried about bullying.
- Leaders are clear that learning how to be good citizens is as important as academic achievement.
- The majority of parents would recommend the school and the number of pupils attending the school is rising.
- Pupils’ behaviour is good.
- Strong relationships between staff and pupils means teachers are able to teach without any interruptions.
- Primary-aged pupils make good progress in most subjects. Progress in reading and mathematics is strong.
- Pupils in the secondary phase achieve strong examination results.
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs, including arts, dance, choir, drama and photography. There are many sports opportunities, such as rowing, basketball and football, at which pupils excel.
Ofsted inspectors praised the strong leadership of the school and identified a number of clear measures to further improve the school, including the broadening of the curriculum in Year 9 which is due to start in September 2020.
Miranda Baldwin, Headteacher, said: “I would like to praise our pupils, staff and governing body for all that has been achieved at St Matthew Academy over the last few years.
“Following three years of our best ever examination results that continue to improve and placing us at the top of the league table for the second year in the row, we are delighted that the report has recognised our achievements and progress, and truly captured and reflected the reality of St Matthew Academy. I am delighted to be leading this academy and look forward to continuing on this journey of success within our academy community”.