Ofsted praise high standards at Cottenham Village College as the school is graded ‘good’

High standards and academic success were highlighted by Ofsted inspectors when they visited Cottenham Village College.

The secondary school has been graded ‘good’ overall after previously being rated ‘requires improvement’ in 2019.

Inspectors describe Cottenham as “an aspirational and inclusive school where pupils enjoy learning” and says that “pupils value education and work hard to achieve the high standards the school sets for them”.

The school was also praised for its well-designed curriculum which the report said supports pupils to achieve well.

Inspectors also acknowledged that exam results in 2022 were “impressive, placing the school in the highest 20 per cent of schools nationally for progress and attainment in many subjects”.

Behaviour, safety and safeguarding at Cottenham, which is part of the Astrea Academy Trust, were also acknowledged, with pupils praised for behaving well and the school recognised for its “pleasant atmosphere”.

Inspectors commented that pupils follow teachers’ routines and focus on their learning in lessons.

The inspection report also noted that pupils “understand the school’s behaviour policy and appreciate the rewards they receive for good conduct”.

The report also praised how Cottenham has “prioritised pupils’ wider development” with an “expertly delivered and extensive” personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) programme through lessons, during form time and in assembly”.

Principal Zoe Andrews said: “A lot of dedicated work has gone into improving Cottenham from everyone in our school community from Astrea, our family of schools, to our leadership team and staff and, of course, not least from our parents and carers.

“While we are committed to improving on areas highlighted for improvement in the report, we are delighted with the conclusions of the inspection team.

“I am very pleased that the report highlighted that our staff have “confidence in the leadership of the school and appreciate leaders’ support to maintain positive workload” and that our “governors and members of the trust board know the strengths and weaknesses of the school” and “challenge leaders effectively to ensure the school continues to improve”.

“We remain committed to developing and enhancing the education we provide for our students in the aspirational, safe and inclusive environment we have been praised for in the report.”

Rowena Hackwood, chief executive of Astrea Academy Trust, said: "I am so pleased for the team at Cottenham, who have worked hard to turn the school around and to realise the high, scholarly expectations that students deserve."