From “challenging” to celebrating – school marks Ofsted turnaround
STUDENTS, teachers and families at a secondary school are celebrating a positive Ofsted inspection outcome – having turned around their results from Requires Improvement in a little over two years.
Aston Academy in Swallownest has announced improvements highlighted by inspectors including attendance now in line with national averages, GCSE attainment matching national figures including for disadvantaged students, and behaviour “improving significantly” with a drop in suspensions and bullying described as “rare.”
Inspectors confirmed the school is making the progress expected of a good school across the majority of areas following a visit on April 28 2026.
The school was judged as Requires Improvement at its last inspection –and under the previous Ofsted framework – 28 months ago in 2023.
In the latest inspection and under the new system, the school – on Aughton Road – reached 'Expected Standard' in five key areas of Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Leadership and Governance, Personal Development and Wellbeing, and Post 16 Provision.
Two areas, Curriculum and Teaching, and Inclusion were identified as Needs Attention.
Highlights of the report included: “Safeguarding standards are fully met. The school has an open and positive culture in which concerns are actively identified and managed.”
“Pastoral support is a strength. Staff know students well, act quickly, and have created clear pathways for young people to access help.”
“Personal development is strong, with a carefully sequenced programme covering British values, healthy relationships, online safety, and careers education.”
Principal James Graham said: “This report belongs to every student who came in and gave their best, and every member of staff who worked tirelessly to provide the best possible provision for our community.
“Twenty-eight months ago we were in a challenging position.
“Today, Ofsted’s findings confirm what we have always known – that when a team and community comes together and is determined to deliver, anything is possible.”