For the first time in its history, Rugby’s Harris Church of England Academy has been graded ‘Good’ in all areas in their recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors commented on the significant strengths of the school, highlighting impressive progress and ambition since the last full inspection. The report said:

“Over the last three years, leaders have tackled the issues that caused pupils to underachieve. They have put in place new ambitious plans for learning. They have provided quality training to teachers. They have appointed well-qualified teachers to fill vacancies.

Teaching is now well organised. Pupils make good progress. Their learning builds effectively from year to year.”

In 2016, Harris was placed into ‘special measures’ by the regulator; in 2018, the academy had made progress but ‘required improvement.’ In May, however, inspectors penned a glowing report, rating the academy ‘good’ across the board.

Headteacher, Roberta Harrison, said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and I would like to thank all of the staff, students and parents for their continued hard work and support which has enabled our school to thrive. Harris is a family led by a clear set of Christian values and we will continue to live out our Galatian motto ‘Whilst we have time, let us do good to all’ (6:10) in everything we do.”

Michael Cowland, CEO of The Diocese of Coventry Multi-Academy Trust, said, “I am delighted with this judgement and believe it reflects the hard work and dedication of
everyone involved. The academy was in a difficult place when it joined the trust so to receive a judgement of good in all areas is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many people. Well done, Team Harris!”

April Gold, Diocesan Director of Education, added to this and said “This report demonstrates how the Christian ethos “let us do good to all” embodied by the school community leads to flourishing for all. Harris CofE Academy is a school of choice for those seeking an education for life in all its fullness.”

Yolanda Morley-McKay, Chair of Governors, agreed and added: “I am thrilled that the school has been recognised for putting in place ambitious plans for learning at our school.”

The report opens: “The school’s values are: harmonious, aspirational, responsible, respectful, inspirational and sociable.” Inspectors praised the school's transformation, a well-coordinated effort from staff, students, parents and the wider community, over a sustained period, which included the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report assures readers that “Pupils feel safe at the school. They know they can rely on staff to help and support them.”

Mrs Harrison added, “We are blessed with wonderful staff and so I was very pleased to read that in relation to the staff body, inspectors found ‘Leaders support staff well and are mindful of their workload.’”

Chris Peirce, Acting Headteacher, praises the academy’s students: “This report highlights the qualities possessed by our students. Throughout the process, inspectors were impressed by students’ dedication to their learning in lessons and the ways they were able to articulate what it means to be part of our school community. It truly is a privilege to work with such young people.”

Paula Whitfield, Chair of trust, concludes: “We are extremely proud to have Harris Church of England Academy in our trust. Our intention is for all 4,500 children in all of our 19 academies to receive an excellent education; this recent Ofsted judgement is evidence that we are moving rapidly in the right direction. I would like to thank all staff and volunteers for this brilliant achievement.”

Harris Church of England Academy joined the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust in 2014. This good Ofsted judgement comes on top of its existing ‘good’ judgement in SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools). Numbers at the academy have been increasing year on year and there are currently 823 children on roll.