Lift Aylward has received an encouraging report from Ofsted following an inspection under the watchdog’s new national framework.
The school was among the first in the country to be inspected using Ofsted’s new approach, which no longer issues single-word overall judgements. Instead, schools are graded across a five-point scale, with “expected standard” identified as the benchmark for high-performing provision.
Inspectors describe Lift Aylward as a calm, purposeful school, making marked improvements under a new leadership team that has introduced an ambitious, well-thought-through curriculum.
Inclusion at the school is rated at a strong standard, with inspectors noting that staff are “highly skilled” and use well-established strategies to identify and meet pupils’ individual needs, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs.
All other areas inspected are evaluated as meeting the expected standard.
The report highlights that many pupils join the school from low starting points but go on to progress well. Disadvantaged pupils achieve above national averages in GCSE English and mathematics, and vocational students in the sixth form make significantly positive progress from their starting points.
Inspectors also point to:
Clear routines and high expectations that create a calm learning environment
A significantly reduced level of persistent absence
Teachers who know clearly what knowledge pupils need to master and remember
Leaders who have carefully prioritised improvements since autumn 2024, with a marked positive impact on behaviour, attendance and academic education
Joe Lawler, Principal of Lift Aylward said:
“We are extremely proud of the recent Ofsted report for Lift Aylward. The report reflects the hard work of staff, pupils and parents and their commitment to realising the shared vision of being “A community that inspires a love of learning that enables alumni to lead long happy and successful lives that leave a positive legacy.” The report highlights the continued improvements and work undergone in the last 13 months to establish a great foundation within the school to achieve this vision. It is from this strong foundation that we are excited to continue the work of creating a school that secures excellent outcomes, well rounded young people and that go on to access the destination of their choice after their journey at Lift Aylward.”
Karl Sampson, Regional Education Director at Lift Schools said:
“This report recognises the real progress being made at Lift Aylward and the dedication of staff and leaders. We are especially proud of the strong judgement for inclusion and the way the school is supporting pupils to succeed from a wide range of starting points. We remain focused on building on this momentum so that every child receives an excellent education, in every classroom, every day.”
The school continues to work closely with families and the local community as it builds on the improvements recognised in the report.