SHEFFIELD PARK ACADEMY MOVES OUT OF SPECIAL MEASURES

Permanent appointment of Principal also announced

Sheffield Park Academy has moved out of ‘special measures’ following a recent Ofsted inspection, with the school also announcing the permanent appointment of Maria Nightingale as Principal.

The ‘satisfactory’ judgment, made by inspectors who visited the academy last week, sees the academy leave special measures within the two years normally set by Ofsted and is a strong indication of the progress being made, which last year saw the academy achieve its best ever GCSE results.

In their visit, Inspectors noted the progress that had been made in teaching and learning, behaviour and attendance. They also praised the academy’s approach to social and community cohesion.

Commenting on Ofsted’s decision, Sir Ewan Harper, Chief Executive of academy sponsor the United Learning Trust said:  “This is excellent news and a tribute to the hard work of all the staff and students at Sheffield Park. Each of them has played their part in turning the corner and everyone associated with the academy can take genuine personal credit for this achievement. This is, however, only the first stage for what we want to be a truly outstanding school.” 

Sir Ewan also welcomed the permanent appointment of Maria Nightingale as Principal at the academy. Mrs Nightingale has been at Sheffield Park since May 2010, after being seconded from ULT’s Manchester Academy.  

“I am delighted that Mrs Nightingale has accepted our offer to become Sheffield Park Academy’s permanent Principal. She brings with her a wealth of experience in accelerating improvement, building strong relations and extending the opportunities, performance and aspirations of children and has already made a strong impact at the academy since arriving here last year. I know that her appointment will be welcomed by staff, students and the wider community.” 

Now Mrs Nightingale is looking forward to leading the academy to even greater achievements, following last week’s Ofsted decision. “I very much relish the challenge of taking the academy forward. Coming out of Special Measures is a hugely significant achievement for the everyone here at the academy but the hard work does not stop and we are now wholly committed to making Sheffield Park Academy the school that it has the potential to be,” she said.