Ofsted rates Churchill Academy & Sixth Form as Good in all areas ​​​​​​​

The Academy, which educates students aged 11 through to 18, is part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership multi-academy trust. Churchill was praised for its “broad and ambitious curriculum that prepares students well for their next steps in learning”. The inspectors recognised that the school has high expectations of what its students can achieve, aligning with Churchill Academy & Sixth Form's vision to set no limits on what can be achieved and its purpose: to inspire and enable young people to make a positive difference.

Chris Hildrew, the headteacher at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form, comments:

“We are delighted that Ofsted saw the impact of the hard work that we’ve done since the last inspection and the significant improvements we have made. We are really proud that the inspectors recognised the multitude of opportunities available to our students, and that student leadership makes such a positive contribution to our Academy. We have always known that an education at Churchill provides a firm foundation for future success, and it’s heartening to see that recognised in this report.”

Ofsted saw evidence that the Academy had “taken effective action to improve behaviour” since its last inspection in March 2023. The report emphasises that “students, staff, parents and carers agreed that behaviour has improved and that students are safe at school”. The report also states that “social times are typically calm and harmonious”.

Ofsted found that teachers at Churchill use strong subject knowledge and engaging lesson activities to enable students to gain an “in-depth understanding of subjects”. Additionally,  inspectors perceived Churchill’s reading strategy as a coherent approach that promoted discussion, expanded vocabulary and encouraged students to “read often enough to maintain their fluency and confidence.”

Churchill’s Sixth Form provision was described as having a “comprehensive approach to preparing pupils for life beyond school”, with sixth form students progressing to “destinations that align with their interests and aspirations”. Inspectors highlighted that the Academy enables students to complete work that is “academically rigorous”, and many of its students go on to university, including some of the most selective institutions.

Gary Lewis, chief executive officer at the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, commented:

“I am delighted that the inspection has spotlighted the Academy's many strengths and the very significant work that has been done to ensure that the young people at Churchill get the very best experience in school.  I know that Mr Hildrew and the whole team at Churchill are determined to keep this momentum going.”

Ofsted acknowledged that Churchill Academy & Sixth Form provides “opportunities for pupils to develop beyond the academic curriculum” that are “varied and numerous”, including a diverse range of extra-curricular clubs. Churchill staff encourage students to participate in a variety of talents and interests, including sports and music. In addition, the report confirmed that the Academy “adapts its curriculum in light of emerging local and national potential risk factors”, enabling students to understand, discuss views, express their own opinions, and consider other perspectives surrounding complex issues.

The report addresses the Academy's aspirations to provide a consistent and inclusive approach to its teaching and learning, outlining that the Academy “have provided additional resources to ensure that the school’s work with pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged is prioritised”. The report indicates that the work is in its early stages and that the impact of this needs to be sustained.

The full Ofsted Report can be viewed here. 

The Academy will be holding an Open Evening for the 2026/27 Year 7 cohort on Wednesday 24th September, as well as Open Mornings on Tuesday 30th September and Wednesday 1st October. The Open Evening for its Sixth Form provision will be held on Thursday 16th October 2025. For further information and to confirm attendance, please visit www.churchill-academy.org/open-days.