Langley Mill Academy has been praised for providing ‘outstanding’ personal development for pupils in a new inspection report.

In addition to this, Ofsted has also rated the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management of the school all as ‘good’.

At Langley Mill Academy, on Bailey Brook Crescent, Langley Mill, inspectors found that relationships between staff and pupils are strong.

Pupils benefit from close pastoral support from staff who know them well, which helps them to feel happy, valued and safe. As a result, the report notes, the children love coming to school and engage well with their learning.

The report also highlights that the culture at the junior school, which has 300 pupils aged 7 to 11 on roll, is inclusive. Pupils are kind to each other and show respect for others and their behaviour is very positive.

Allan Bland, Headteacher, Langley Mill Academy, said: “We are a friendly and caring school with the local community at our heart. It is great to see that commitment and the achievements of our pupils and staff so positively recognised in this new Ofsted report.”

The report adds that teachers have strong subject knowledge, pupils study an ambitious curriculum and staff have high aspirations for what they can achieve.

Inspectors found that opportunities for pupils’ personal development are exceptional. Rich experiences are woven through every part of the curriculum.

These experiences include projects developing leadership such as the ‘sustainability team’ where children grow their own produce, gaining knowledge of where food comes from.

Children learn about different religions and cultures, for example, through faith walks. They have a deep understanding of diversity and equality and celebrate differences.

Pupils are also taught how to stay safe online and teach one another about online safety as part of the ‘IVengers’ team.

In addition, children benefit from plenty of opportunities to explore the world beyond their own experiences.

Year 6 pupils, for example, visit the Eden Camp Modern History Museum to develop their knowledge of the Second World War.

Pupils enjoy visits from inspirational people such as Team GB athletes. These opportunities help the children to become confident individuals.

In terms of the curriculum, reading is a priority. Pupils are highly motivated readers. They love choosing from the ‘100 best reads’ available for each year group.

Pupils learn important vocabulary for each subject. British Sign Language is taught alongside this to help the children remember these important words.

Parents and carers, inspectors found, appreciate that their children feel safe and receive high-quality care.

Staff at the school, which is part of Djanogly Learning Trust, are overwhelmingly positive about the support they receive and their workload and wellbeing are considered carefully.

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Djanogly Learning Trust, added: “Langley Mill Academy is a special place where pupils thrive and staff feel well supported.

“We are delighted with the significant progress the school has made and that this has been acknowledged and validated through the recent inspection report. This is really good news for the whole of the Langley Mill community.”

To read the latest report, published on 11th February 2025, please visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/145491

Pictured: Headteacher Allan Bland with pupils at Langley Mill Academy.