Ofsted finds shortcomings at secondary school

Following an inspection a watchdog has identified a series of shortcomings at a secondary school previously rated as good.

Ofsted found issues with pupil absences, students' attitude towards learning and that staff were being ignored at The Parker E-ACT Academy in Daventry, Northamptonshire, in a report published on Monday.

The report rated the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management as inadequate - the lowest rating possible.

A spokesperson for the Parker E-ACT Academy said: "This inspection took place in January 2025 and since then significant changes have already been made to secure the improvements our students deserve."

Ofsted reported teachers did not have high enough expectations of the work students produced and pupil personal development and sixth form provision were rated as requires improvement.

During Ofsted's two-day visit in January, the academy was being led by interim head teacher Gary Carlile, who had taken up the position three weeks prior.

His appointment came after the school's former head teacher, Jane Buggins, resigned in December after a petition called for her to quit.

A new head teacher, Maughan Johnson, started in the role last month.

The Ofsted inspection noted the school's instability in leadership, which had "contributed to a decline in standards in several aspects of the school's work".

Other concerns were raised about the quality of education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), such as staff not making appropriate adaptations.

However, Ofsted noted pupils were safe in the school and it was addressing issues with its SEND provision.

In its previous Ofsted inspection in November 2021, the school had been rated as good, but since September graded inspections of state-funded schools no longer include an overall effectiveness judgement.

Responding to the report, The Parker E-ACT Academy said: "New leadership is now firmly in place at all levels, including a new head teacher, deputy head teacher and education director.

"Under this new leadership team, we have acted quickly and decisively to address the issues raised in the report.

"The Parker is already a very different place to the one inspected four months ago and we are fully committed to continuing this journey of transformation."

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