Kearsley Academy praised by Ofsted for “exceptional” curriculum and teaching

Kearsley Academy, part of Northern Education Trust, has been recognised by Ofsted for the exceptional quality of its curriculum and teaching, following a two day inspection carried out on 7 and 8 July 2026.

Inspectors judged the school’s curriculum and teaching to be exceptional, the highest grade available, while attendance and behaviour, achievement, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing were all judged to reach a strong standard. Safeguarding was confirmed as met.

The report highlighted the school’s culture of “teaching and learning excellence”, noting that pupils “know exactly how their knowledge connects and their understanding builds”, and praised teachers as “incredibly knowledgeable and skilled”. Inspectors also recognised the strength of provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and for disadvantaged pupils, who achieved above the national average in this year’s GCSE results.

The school’s results reflect this strength. In 2026/26, 64% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSE, well above the national average of 45.4%. Attainment 8 stood at 51.8 against a national average of 46.1, and Progress 8 at 0.55 against a national average of -0.03. Disadvantaged pupils also achieved above the national average for non-disadvantaged pupils on several measures, reflecting the school’s success in narrowing gaps for its most vulnerable pupils.

Ryan Baxter, Principal of Kearsley Academy, said:
“This is a wonderful reflection of the hard work, commitment and expertise of everyone in our school community. Our staff have worked tirelessly to build a curriculum and a culture where every pupil, whatever their starting point, is given the very best chance to succeed. I am incredibly proud of our pupils and staff, and grateful to our families for their continued support. This report confirms what we already knew: Kearsley Academy is an exceptional place to learn and to work, and we will keep striving to improve further.”

Andrew Newton, Executive Principal at Northern Education Trust, said:
“Having previously served as Principal of Kearsley Academy myself, this report means a great deal to me personally. To see the school recognised for exceptional curriculum and teaching is testament to the standards that our staff hold themselves to every single day. Ryan and his team have taken the school from strength to strength, and this outcome shows what is possible when a knowledge-rich curriculum, expert teaching and a relentless focus on every pupil come together. It is a proud moment for the whole Northern Education Trust family and we are delighted for our families and young people”

Dean Buckley, Associate Senior Executive Principal at Northern Education Trust, said:
“When I first arrived at Kearsley as Executive Principal in 2019, the school was in a very different place, so to see it recognised in this way is incredibly special. Transforming a school takes belief, high expectations and, most importantly, great people. I am particularly proud to have played a part in helping to find and appoint Andy Newton and then Ryan Baxter to lead the academy. Andy did an exceptional job in moving Kearsley forward and Ryan has continued that journey, alongside an exceptional team of staff.

What has been achieved at Kearsley is remarkable. It is now a school that others from across the sector will want to visit, learn from and understand what has made it so successful.

Having seen where Kearsley started and been fortunate enough to be part of that journey, I couldn’t be prouder of Andy, Ryan, the staff and, most importantly, the young people and
community they serve.”