Ofsted Awards Jane Austen College ‘Outstanding’ Rating

Jane Austen College is celebrating today having been rated ‘Outstanding’ following an exceptional Ofsted inspection. 

The Norwich-city-centre-based secondary school and sixth form opened in 2014 and was previously awarded a ‘Good’ rating in its first Ofsted inspection in October 2016.  

Jane Austen College and Jane Austen College Sixth Form has received an Outstanding rating, providing exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support, and a character curriculum for all its students, building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers. 

Ofsted commended the school’s dedication to the care and wellbeing of its students, including the prioritising of positive mental health practices, commenting: 

“Pupils’ experience at Jane Austen is characterised by highly warm and positive relationships... Pupils really value the extensive range of pastoral support on offer, including for mental health. This helps pupils to be able to cope with issues such as anxiety and stay happy and safe.” 

The secondary school is part of the Inspiration Trust, proud of its inclusive and ambitious curriculum, which is nationally recognised, and its development led by a team of subject experts. Jane Austen College fosters a passion for learning among its students, encouraging them to cultivate a lifelong love for knowledge. Ofsted recognised this saying: 

“Pupils find lessons inspiring... The trust has used experts to develop a highly aspirational curriculum. The school tailors this curriculum further to meet the specific needs of pupils at the school. School leaders focus forensically on refining this curriculum and how effectively it is taught.” 

Ofsted continues:  

“Consequently, across the board, teaching is of the highest standard because of the high-quality training teachers get. The impact of highly effective teaching can be seen in the exceptional levels of depth and complexity of pupils’ work... The school has the highest level of academic ambition for all.” 

Jane Austen College is an English and humanities specialist school. As such, reading is a priority, with time dedicated each morning to reading for pleasure, or personalised reading and literacy support, nurturing a lifelong passion for literature and learning. 

“Reading is promoted extensively. Pupils read widely and understand why this is important.” 

 

Jane Austen College is dedicated to enhancing learning beyond the classroom, offering a diverse and well-rounded set of wider enrichment opportunities for all students. Ofsted acknowledged this, saying:   

“Pupils benefit from the extensive ‘character curriculum’ and treat each other with respect and tolerance... All pupils benefit from a wealth of enrichment that is built into the school day, such as choir. Almost all talents and interests are catered for by an extensive programme of ‘electives’.” 

‘The JAC Way’ has been developed at Jane Austen College to instil values of respect, dedication and accountability. These values guide the actions and the decisions of both students and staff every day. Ofsted praised this philosophy, commenting that:   

“Pupils develop their knowledge and character exceptionally well. Staff have the highest expectations about what pupils should achieve. Pupils meet these expectations as they get the support they need to live up to them. This is because this is the ‘JAC Way,’ where everyone is kind, hardworking and responsible.” 

Principal of Jane Austen College and Jane Austen College Sixth Form, Summer Turner says:  

"I am incredibly proud of the Jane Austen College community - staff, students and families. This report recognises the hard work and dedication it has taken to build this academic and inclusive school. I would also like to thank John Vincent and Jane Diver who supported the school's development as Head of School and Executive Principal during my maternity leave.  

 

I am grateful that the Ofsted team were able to see the power of our curriculum, the strength of our teaching, and the warmth of our pastoral care. This is the JAC way, every day." 

Jane Diver, Executive Principal says: 

"I am delighted that this wonderful community and school have achieved the accolade they deserve. Jane Austen College is special place, created over may years of academic rigour, inclusivity, intensive pastoral provision and child-centred bespoke support. I have no doubt that this dedicated and hard-working team – students, parents, governors and staff will continue to go from strength to strength for this community."

Gareth Stevens, CEO says:  

“It gives me immense pride and joy to congratulate our remarkable secondary school on being awarded an Outstanding Ofsted report. This accolade is a testament to the unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work of our talented staff, dedicated students, and supportive community.  

 

Our commitment to fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity has truly shone through. I am confident that this recognition will inspire us to continue striving for even greater heights, ensuring that every student is equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible achievement!"