Hemel Hempstead academy rated 'good' AGAIN after latest Ofsted inspection

A "friendly and welcoming" Hemel Hempstead academy has been given a "good" overall rating ONCE AGAIN by education watchdog Ofsted.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Inspectors visited Longdean School in November and published their report last week.

They found the school, on Rumballs Road, "took care of their pupils" and were "quick to deal with bullying, should it occur."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lead inspector Diana Osagie’s report finds the academy, which has 1,273 pupils aged 11 to 18, to be ‘good’ overall and ‘well led’ by headteacher Graham Cunningham.

Credit: Google MapsCredit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps

The report reads: "This is a large, friendly school where pupils, parents and staff say that they enjoy being part of its community.

"Behaviour is good in lessons and at breaktimes and pupils are kind to each other and to visitors to the school.

"Staff ensure that the school welcomes everybody and want all pupils to do their best."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, the academy has been told to improve the performance and attendance of its disadvantaged students.

"Disadvantaged pupils achieve less well than other pupils in key stage 4. This means that they have fewer opportunities open to them compared with other pupils when leaving school," inspectors said.

"Attendance at school for disadvantaged pupils is lower than the average attendance for pupils nationally. This means that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds do not receive enough teaching."

Longdean is a larger than average schools, which converted to academy status in 2011.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A school spokesman said: "The report highlights the positive environment of the school.

"It also identified that the school strives to develop students to meet their full potential.

"A common theme through the report was that students feel safe and comfortable at Longdean."

To view the full Ofsted report visit: files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50142704