Ofsted 2025

We welcomed 6 Ofsted Inspectors in to Drapers' Academy on 11th and 12th March, and both staff and pupils were ready to show them the strength of our community - our passionate and dedicated staff and our kind, respectful and purposeful pupils. The Ofsted team found all areas of the Academy: Leadership and Management, Quality of Education, Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitudes and the Sixth Form, to be GOOD.

During the two days, the Inspectors visited many lessons, attended assembly, observed break and lunch time, and met with many pupils and staff groups. We were well an truly put through our paces! The full report has already been sent to all parents and is of course available on our website.

I am proud of everyone that contributed to this successful judgement: the pupils who worked so hard in lessons; the teachers who taught them; the pastoral teams who supported so many pupils through those two days; the governors who spoke clearly about our vision and determination to serve our community; the many parents who completed the survey to share how their child had been supported by the Pastoral and Year teams, the SEND team, the safeguarding staff and individual teachers who had gone the extra mile.

We are really delighted that the inspectors recognised the great progress the Academy has made since the last inspection, as well as the way in which we ensure that all of our pupils are welcomed into our school community. They also noted how effectively pupils learn what it means to be a Drapers' pupil and to embody the school’s values of kindness, respect and purpose.

Ofsted also recognised the expertise of staff and the ambition of our curriculum. This included the careful consideration we give to supporting pupils with SEND. They also praised our sharply focused personal development curriculum and the impressive range of opportunities for sixth form students to explore the next stage of their education.

Clearly there are still areas to improve, and myself and all staff are excited to be working on these to ensure that Drapers' Academy provides the best possible education and support for all of our young people, current and future.

Ms Dineen, Principal