Ofsted

Towards the end of last term, Ofsted visited the school, virtually, to carry out a Section 8 monitoring inspection. This inspection followed on from the previous Section 5 inspection which took place in 2019, after which Ofsted graded the school as Requires Improvement.

The Section 8 inspection is a check on progress that has been made since 2019.  It was a rigorous process led by two senior Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI). In arriving at a final judgement, HMI consider the extent to which leaders’ actions are helping or hindering the provision of education to all students at the current time.

The lead inspector makes a single overarching judgement and we are delighted to say that their final judgement was:

Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances.

This is extremely pleasing news as it validates the work that we are doing and the changes that we have made since 2019; in particular since the school joined King’s Group Academies in October 2020. You can read the full report here: Oftsed Report March 2021(pdf)

Uniform

We are grateful to you for the feedback that we have received as part of the consultation on the introduction of a blazer and a distinctive school skirt from September 2021. We have listened very carefully to all the comments that have been made and we pleased to say that a compulsory blazer will be introduced from September 2021, with the option of a tartan skirt for those who do not wish to wear trousers. Additionally, every student will have the blazer fully funded for them. This decision has been made in recognition of the comments received regarding additional costs at this particular time. We have decided that at the current time there will not be any change to the school tie; in the longer term the black sweatshirt will be replaced with a fine knit sweater, but this will remain an optional item. Further details about the full uniform requirements will follow shortly; we remain committed to a cost-effective yet smart uniform for all our students.

Please be reassured that there will be no reduction in money spent on Prospect students as a result of the decision to provide all current students with a blazer, the cost of the blazer is being met centrally by King’s Group Academies.

School name

Since we joined King’s Group Academies in October 2020, the school has played a full part in the Trust and significant improvements have been made.

As we look forward towards the next academic year I would like to provide you with information on a key change to the school name.   This change is part of the narrative of joining King’s Group Academies and is a sign of continued improvement, increased stability and better educational outcomes for all our students.

With effect from September 2021, the school’s name will change to King’s Academy Prospect.  This is in line with other academies within the multi academy trust.  The decision has been made to keep both the name ‘Prospect’ and the school logo as it maintains continuity.  The new blazer will bear both the logo and the name ‘King’s Academy Prospect’, and whilst there is no requirement to change any other items of branded uniform, in time these will also bear the new name.  The use of the new name and existing logo symbolises coming together of the King’s vision: Opportunity and Success on a Global Stage, with that of Prospect School: Aspire, Achieve, Believe.

We have an exciting summer term ahead and I look forward to continuing to work with you to support our young people together.

Yours sincerely,

Mr D Littlemore Headteacher

Mrs M Sampson Chair of Governors

Mr N Cross CEO, Kings Group Academies