Positive Ofsted Monitoring Inspection at Shire Oak Academy
We are delighted to share the outcome of the recent Ofsted Monitoring Inspection of Shire Oak Academy, which took place on 14 July 2026.
There are many positives highlighted within the report, including:
Improved relationships and school culture
Ofsted found that our work is built around a pupil-centred approach and that pupils themselves recognise increasingly strong and trusting relationships with staff. Inspectors also reported that improvements in behaviour have been maintained and that attitudes to learning have become notably more consistent.
Positive parental feedback
One of the most encouraging aspects of the report is the recognition of the significant increase in positive parental feedback. Inspectors highlighted that this demonstrates the impact of our efforts to rebuild relationships with families and strengthen our partnership with the wider community.
Inclusion and support for students
Inspectors praised the school's inclusive approach and recognised the impact of our multi-disciplinary inclusion systems. They found that students are receiving increasingly holistic and wraparound support, with pupils and parents reporting positively on the difference this provision is making.
Attendance improvements
Attendance remains a key priority, and inspectors acknowledged that attendance for key groups continues to improve as a result of the systems, processes and additional capacity now in place. They recognised that issues are identified and addressed more quickly than before. We know that there is still a lot of work to do here and we would encourage families to liaise with us on the best ways to help us continue to improve.
Curriculum and teaching
The report notes that leaders have a clear understanding of what needs to improve and have taken appropriate action. Inspectors highlighted the successful trial of a new assessment approach and reported that students have a better understanding of what they are learning and why. They also recognised the school's comprehensive programme of staff development and quality assurance.
Strong leadership and governance
Inspectors recognised that the school's improvement strategy is now "well established" and that the systems and processes introduced are "firmly embedded". They noted stability within the leadership team, growing expertise and a clear understanding of the school's strengths and priorities.
A note about Page 1 of the report
When reading the published report, we would ask reader to pay particular attention to Page 2 onwards, which contains the findings and judgements from the July 2026 monitoring inspection.
The information shown on Page 1 is a summary of the areas for improvement identified during the school's graded inspection in January 2025. It is included by Ofsted as historical context and does not represent inspectors' current view of the school.
10452472 shire oak academy 136620 final pdf.pdf
Matthew Everett, Headteacher at Shire Oak Academy, said:
I am delighted and proud of the combined effort of our whole community in securing such a positive report from Ofsted inspectors. While we recognise that there is still work to do, we are proud that Ofsted has acknowledged the progress made so far and the strong foundations now in place. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing our journey of improvement for every child at Shire Oak Academy.
Dan Parkes, CEO of The Mercian Trust, said:
We are delighted this Ofsted Monitoring Inspection recognises the fantastic improvements at Shire Oak Academy. The school is simply unrecognisable from the one Ofsted visited 18 months ago in January 2025.
The academy has undergone a remarkable transformation driven by exceptional leadership, dedicated staff, supportive families and, above all, ambitious young people who have embraced the opportunities before them.
This report confirms what we already know – Shire Oak is now a school where children are safe, valued, challenged and inspired to succeed. It is a school with high expectations, strong relationships and an unwavering commitment to helping every child achieve their potential.
For families considering secondary school places, this report should give real confidence. Shire Oak Academy is a school on a strong upward trajectory, offering an excellent education and a wealth of opportunities for young people to thrive academically, socially and personally. While we are proud of how far the school has come, we remain ambitious for how far it can go. The best days for Shire Oak Academy are still ahead of us.