We are delighted to share Ofsted’s report following their visit to Aylward in December. As one of the first inspections under the new national framework, the report recognises the significant improvements made under the school’s new leadership.
Inspectors highlighted our ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum and the calm, purposeful environment across the school. Under the new framework, a judgement of ‘expected standard’ confirms that a school is meeting all expectations and delivering a high-quality education.
We are especially proud that our inclusion work was recognised as being at a “strong standard”, with inspectors noting that:
Inclusion leaders and staff are highly skilled. They use well-established strategies to identify and meet pupils' individual needs.”
All other areas are evaluated as meeting the “expected standard”. Key highlights include:
Attendance and Behaviour: A revamped approach to behaviour management has established clear routines and high expectations, resulting in a calm learning environment. Persistent absence has also decreased significantly. "Consistent routines typically create a calm, purposeful environment where lessons largely run smoothly and learning is uninterrupted."
Achievement: While many pupils begin their education at Lift Aylward from low academic points, Aylward’s curriculum allows them to progress well. Notably, disadvantaged pupils achieve above national averages in GCSE English and mathematics."...with a typically effective curriculum and teaching and strong inclusive support, the school enables pupils to progress well in different subjects and across year groups…”
Curriculum and Teaching: The leadership has put in place an ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum. Teachers benefit from professional learning provided by Lift Schools. Efforts to close knowledge gaps include daily literacy interventions and "master classes" for older pupils. “The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils and is now typically well sequenced. Teachers in most subjects know exactly what knowledge pupils need to master and remember.”
Leadership and Governance: the new leadership team has prioritised improvements that have had a marked positive impact on academic standards and behaviour. Lift provides rigorous systems of accountability and evidence-based professional learning for staff.
Personal Development and Well-being: Character development is central to Aylward’s ethos, focusing on values such as integrity and self-control. The personal development programme is comprehensive, covering statutory health and social education while responding to modern challenges like online safety. "Character development and values are at the heart of school life. Pupils understand and live by the values of excellence, integrity, kindness and self control".
Post-16 Provision: The study programme offers a balance of academic and vocational options tailored to the school's context. While A-level attainment is below national averages, progression from GCSE starting points is high, and vocational students make significantly positive progress. "In the vocational courses, students make significantly positive progress from their low starting points and achieved in line with students nationally in 2025".
