Ofsted
Harris Garrard Academy has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all areas following its inspection in November 2021.
This is the first time Ofsted has inspected the academy since it joined the Harris Federation in 2017. Its predecessor school, Bexley Business Academy, was deemed by Ofsted to be inadequate overall, but since 2017 we have been able to turn the school around thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and community.
High expectations
The turnaround of the academy was noted in the Ofsted report, which said that the academy’s leaders have “very high expectations of what pupils will achieve. They are determined that all pupils will leave the school with the knowledge that they need to succeed in life. Everything that staff, governors and leaders do is based around this vision."
The report highlights that:
- "Relationships between pupils and staff are positive. Leaders encourage pupils to be independent, to take on responsibilities and to treat everyone equally."
- “Pupils enjoy school.”
- “Leaders and governors have a clear and accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and development priorities. They are not complacent, and strive to be the best they can be.”
- "Pupils in all year groups follow an ambitious curriculum. Pupils’ behaviour in lessons is positive."
Happy and successful
Steve West, Head of Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of what our staff, students and community have achieved in turning this school around since 2017 but we are also looking forward to the journey ahead too.
“There is much to celebrate – the Ofsted report shows we have created a happy and successful school with a culture of constantly looking to improve. We have made very significant progress over the past four years and have a very bright and positive future ahead of us too. I know our academy will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”
Ofsted Parent View gives you the chance to tell Ofsted what you think of the school. Visit the Ofsted Parent View website.
