Our Most Recent Ofsted Inspection
Netherthorpe School had a monitoring visit by Ofsted on 28th April 2026. The monitoring report shows strong signs of improvement. Please see below the summary of the outcome and the full monitoring report.
Ofsted Monitoring Report outcome
Headteacher’s Statement
24th June 2026
Netherthorpe School has received its latest Ofsted monitoring inspection report, which recognises positive and credible progress in stabilising the school and improving key areas such as behaviour, attendance, leadership and school culture.
The inspection follows a previous graded inspection in January 2025, where the school was judged to require significant improvement. Inspectors have now highlighted that leaders and the Trust have taken decisive and effective action to address weaknesses, creating a more stable, calm and purposeful environment for pupils.
What’s improved since the last report?
✅ Leadership and direction have strengthened significantly. Inspectors noted that decisive action from leaders, supported by the Trust, has stabilised the school, improved staff confidence and established a clearer sense of direction and purpose.
✅ Behaviour and attendance have improved markedly. The school environment is now calm and orderly, with clear routines, respectful relationships and reduced exclusions. Pupils are increasingly punctual, present and ready to learn.
✅ Safeguarding systems have been strengthened. While further work is needed on record-keeping, safeguarding processes are improving and continue to ensure pupils are kept safe.
✅ Curriculum planning is more established. Subjects are now more carefully planned, providing a stronger foundation for teaching, with pupils beginning to build knowledge more effectively over time.
✅ Inclusion and support for vulnerable pupils are improving. Clearer systems for identifying needs and targeted support are now in place, with early signs of improvement in attendance, reading outcomes and pastoral support.
✅ Personal development has been strengthened. Pupils have a better understanding of equality, diversity and staying safe, supported by a structured programme of learning and pastoral care.
✅ Post-16 provision is supporting students effectively. Leaders have ensured that students in the post-16 provision benefit from effective pastoral care and guidance, supporting their wellbeing and preparing them for their next steps in education, employment or training.
These improvements reflect the hard work of staff, the strength of leadership, and the resilience of pupils over the last 18 months. The new leadership team, established in 2025, has worked with Minerva Learning Trust to stabilise the school, raise expectations, and restore confidence.
Read the Monitoring Outcome Report below:
Moving Forward
The report makes clear that further work is required to secure consistent, high-quality education across all areas:
- Curriculum delivery and teaching remain variable, meaning pupils’ progress is not yet consistently strong.
- Support for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND is not yet embedded consistently, and outcomes for these groups remain uneven.
- Assessment and use of reading information need strengthening, so teaching better meets pupils’ needs.
- Expectations in some classrooms are not consistently applied, leading to occasional disruption to learning.
- Further work is needed to embed equality, diversity and British values fully across school life.
