The Newbridge School in Coalville has been recognised as 'Good' across all four judgement categories after a two-day Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors highlighted the significant progress made by the school since it joined Lionheart Educational Trust in 2022, describing Newbridge as a 'caring and welcoming' environment with a 'calm and orderly' atmosphere.

They went on to commend the improvements in classroom learning and the subsequent academic outcomes, noting that 'the school and the trust have markedly improved the curriculum and how it is delivered'.

The school is a part of the Lionheart Educational Trust, officially joining in September 2022.

And the latest inspection compares favourably to reports from two years ago - and another 12 months later - which rated the school as 'inadequate' with 'serious weaknesses'.

Inspectors said that students benefitted from a well-designed curriculum that is 'broad and ambitious'. 

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For example, the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects are offered at Key Stage 4 and the number of learners studying a foreign language at GCSE level is increasing.

In its report, Ofsted also praised the school's strong commitment to reading, noting that students enjoy regular opportunities to read in tutor time and can access a diverse range of books, allowing them to 'develop their vocabulary and understanding of different cultures'. 

Appropriate support is also given to students who sometimes struggle with reading: 'these pupils get extra help from well-trained staff' which helps to 'improve their reading fluency and accuracy', the inspectors commented.

Alongside a commitment to academic excellence, the strength of extra curricular– where students enjoy activities such as Eco Club, netball, football and Science Club – was also highlighted, with Ofsted noting that 'an increasing number of pupils participate in extracurricular activities that develop their talents and interests'. 

Newbridge - which educates around 800 students aged 11 to 16 - also hosts an annual Culture Day celebration, 'where [students] learn about the different cultures in school and the local area'.

The inspectors were also impressed with Trust-wide personal development lessons which educate students about key issues such as cyber safety, healthy lifestyles and allow them to access valuable careers information. 

These lessons ensure that 'pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain' and 'get good quality career advice and guidance [which] helps to inform them about their next steps in education'.

Co-Heads of School Mick Gamble and Mike Rowbottom said: "We are delighted that Newbridge has been recognised as a 'Good' school in all areas by Ofsted.

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"Inspectors highlighted the school's positive atmosphere and celebrated the diversity and strength of both our academic and extracurricular offerings, which together help shape confident, capable and well-rounded young people.

"Over the past two years, our staff and students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment, working tirelessly to raise the school's standards. We would also like to thank our parents and carers for their support throughout this journey.

"We are incredibly proud that these efforts have been acknowledged in Ofsted's report, which reflects the significant progress we have made and that Newbridge is a good school."

Since September 2024, Ofsted changes mean that schools no longer receive a single word judgement grading. Instead, schools are graded independently on each of the four judgement areas. The full report can be found on the website at www.newbridge.org.uk

Lionheart will open its 17th school, Greenstone Primary in Coalville, next year. More information can be found at www.lionhearttrust.org.uk