Rivendell Flying High Academy is outstanding in all areas says Ofsted in the school’s first full inspection since opening

The school which first opened its doors to pupils in September 2022 gets top marks in all areas!

Rivendell Flying High Academy has been rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in its first full inspection since opening its doors to pupils in 2022.

The school, based on Magenta Way in Stoke Bardolph (off Colwick loop road) is described in glowing terms in the report which says, ‘Pupils flourish in this exceptionally calm and very happy school. They embody the school’s values of being ‘respectful, intrepid, successful and engaged’. The school provides pupils with a highly engaging and enriching educational experience. From the moment they start in Nursery, children learn to listen and interact positively with each other and their teachers.’

Children are described as courteous and well mannered at the school which is said to hold their personal development as ‘central’ to its school vision. The visiting inspector said, ‘A myriad of opportunities are made available to develop pupils’ talents and interests, such as knitting, sports, pottery, choir and archery. Pupils treat each other and staff with high levels of respect and kindness. Because they relish coming to school, pupils attend exceptionally well.’

Pupils are said to take pride in their ‘excellent’ work, benefitting from a rich curriculum credited with supporting children to achieve well. ‘The impact of this is evident in pupils’ achievements and quality of work,’ says the report.

‘The school engages effectively with parents and carers because staff are committed to pupils’ needs and achievements,’ said the report, further commenting, ‘One parent summed up the views of many when they said, ‘Staff go above and beyond and always want the best for our children.’’

Rivendell’s curriculum is described as ‘impressive’ and ‘highly ambitious’, going well beyond the expectations of the national curriculum. All children, said the report, including early years pupils, achieve highly and are found to be well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Reading is prioritised at the school and pupils develop ‘a deep love of nursery rhymes and stories and start learning phonics rapidly,’ said the inspector. ‘This helps pupils to gain the phonics knowledge they need to be extremely successful readers,’ going on to say, ‘…as a result, pupils achieve very highly on the phonics check in Year 1. By the end of key stage 1, pupils are typically reading with accuracy and fluency.’

The school is credited with providing a high quality and well stocked library and children speak enthusiastically about their favourite authors and books. Mini libraries are also located in every classroom, and texts are seen to be providing ‘a breadth of diversity of authors for pupils to choose from. This helps pupils develop a thorough understanding of equality and tolerance. Pupils engage diligently in ‘book swaps’ every week. They are enabled to share their love of books and stories when reading to residents in the local care home.’

Julie Worthington is Headteacher of Rivendell Flying High Academy, and she said, “I am incredibly proud to lead such an amazing school, where our children, staff, families, and wider community all contribute to something truly special. This report reflects not only the uniqueness of our school and the bespoke curriculum we’ve carefully developed, but also the high aspirations and expectations we all share. It is a celebration of the commitment, passion, and belief that every child can thrive and succeed to truly RISE* as a Rivendellian.”

*Respectful, Intrepid, Successful and Engaged- the school’s core values.

Teachers at Rivendell Flying High Academy are described as ‘experts’ in their subjects, presenting information clearly and providing opportunities to assess understanding through pupils’ discussions.

The inspector said, ‘Teachers routinely check pupils’ understanding and identify any gaps, which are addressed quickly. Pupils have multiple opportunities to consider and then discuss their ideas. This encourages them to embed their new knowledge and apply it to new contexts adeptly.’

The report states that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well and ‘…achieve exceptionally well. Equality of opportunity is at the core of the school’s work.’

Head Girl at Rivendell Flying High Academy is Alice Seymour (year 6) and she said, “I am proud to come to Rivendell because we have amazing teachers and kind pupils.” Head Boy, Alexander Whitely (year 6) agreed saying, “I am proud to come to Rivendell because the staff are kind and the education is amazing!”

The personal development of pupils takes ‘centre stage’ at the school and pupils learn about British values and are taught about life in modern Britain. In addition, Rivendell Flying High Academy children regularly participate in debating clubs, said the report, where they develop skills to consider and understand differing viewpoints, and also challenge the views of others.

Safeguarding at the school is effective and the school is well supported by its Governing body and The Flying High Partnership, its multi-academy trust.

Staff wellbeing and workload is carefully considered said the inspector, and this has fostered the commitment and trust of its staff, who feel valued and take pride in their work at the school.

Finally, the report said Governors and trustees were found to ‘…share in the leaders’ relentless commitment to ensure the very best for all pupils at this school.’