East Sussex school rated as 'good' by Ofsted inspectors

Rye College, in Love Lane, was rated as ‘good’ in all areas.

The academy had previously been rated ‘inadequate’ a few years ago before joining the Aquinas Trust in November 2018.

In their report, inspectors said: “Rye College has taken great strides forward in recent years. Work is demanding and current pupils are learning well across a wide range of subjects. Much of this is due to the strong leadership of the headteacher and the executive headteacher and extensive staff teamwork. All staff want the very best for their pupils.

"Pupils and parents recognise and appreciate the many improvements in the school. There is a happy, friendly atmosphere throughout. Pupils feel safe. One pupil described the school as ‘one big happy family’. Relationships are strong. Leaders have high expectations of pupils’ learning and conduct. Pupils work hard to uphold the school’s values of ‘be proud, committed, positive, employable, kind’. Most pupils behave well in lessons and during breaktimes.”

Ofsted added that the school had introduced an ‘ambitious curriculum’ and that teachers had ‘high expectations’ of students.

The report added: “Subject leaders have thought carefully about what they want pupils to learn and in what order. Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They frequently revisit previous learning to help pupils recall it. They expect all pupils to try hard and to complete work to a high standard. Consequently, current pupils, including many with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are achieving well.”

Dom Downes, headteacher, said: “This is fantastic news for our students and wider community. I am delighted our ambitious curriculum, strong relationships and commitment to well-being have been acknowledged. Not only have inspectors recognised how hard students work to uphold our school values but also how much they appreciate the many improvements in recent years.”Kathy Griffiths, chief executive of Aquinas, said: “This is a well-deserved outcome for Rye College. Despite the obvious challenges of the last few years, the school’s remarkable transformational journey has been rightly recognised. Everyone here has a relentless drive to fulfil the school’s mission of ‘creating bright futures for all’ and I am confident the school will go from strength to strength.”The full report is available to view on the school’s website: www.ryecollege.co.uk.