Leaders at the first Nottingham secondary school inspected under the new Ofsted framework are celebrating a “landmark” positive report.
Parents at The Wells Academy in Mapperley are “overwhelmingly positive” about the school, where leaders have a “moral purpose” to improve pupils’ life chances, said an Ofsted report just published following a visit from a team of four inspectors on 13 January.
The report represents further evidence of success at The Wells Academy, which saw its strongest ever GCSE results in 2025.
The academy, part of Greenwood Academies Trust, is the first Nottingham secondary inspected under Ofsted’s new framework.
Instead of an overall grade, the new framework provides a report card with judgements across key areas, offering parents and carers a more balanced picture of a school’s strengths and priorities.
The report judged The Wells Academy as meeting expected standards across all six areas of the inspection framework: achievement; attendance and behaviour; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; leadership and governance; and personal development and wellbeing.
Inspectors found much to praise, including the school’s strong and stable leadership, its “orderly environment”, enrichment opportunities, and the progress of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Substantial improvements” have been achieved in recent years, particularly in strengthening teaching, improving behaviour and attendance, and supporting pupils to achieve good results.
Inspectors said: “Over recent years, trustees have ensured that the school’s new leadership team has been galvanised to make substantial improvements at the school.”
They went on to say: “… school leaders work with moral purpose and determination to ensure the school improves pupils’ life chances, regardless of any challenging circumstances in their lives.”
Highlighting “high staff morale” and retention as a strength, the report provided detail on daily life at the school, saying there was an “inclusive culture” where pupils benefited from “high-quality pastoral support”.
Inspectors said: “Pupils value the warm and welcoming environment at school. They appreciate how staff greet them every morning at the school gates and throughout the day in corridors and lessons.”
Commenting on The Wells Academy’s “well-considered” PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) programme, the report said: “Staff encourage pupils to aspire to the highest levels of success in their careers.”
Academy and Trust leaders were also commended for having “won the confidence of parents and carers”.
Academy principal George Coles said: “We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the journey we have been on. This is a landmark moment for The Wells Academy and the most positive inspection outcome in our history.
“This report reflects the hard work of our colleagues, the determination of our pupils, and the strength of our partnership with families and the Trust. Most importantly, this report confirms that our pupils are achieving well, feel safe and valued, and are being prepared successfully for their next steps.”
“Over the past three years, we have focused relentlessly on building a culture of high expectations, strong relationships and excellent teaching. To see that work recognised so clearly is incredibly rewarding.”
Wayne Norrie, CEO of Greenwood Academies Trust, added: “This is a significant and well-deserved outcome for the entire community at The Wells Academy. The report recognises the moral purpose, determination and strategic clarity that have driven sustained improvement in recent years, and I couldn’t be more proud.
“I am also incredibly proud of the leadership and high standards Mr Coles has instilled across the academy, and of the way colleagues and pupils have embraced this.
“This inspection confirms that The Wells Academy is providing a high-quality education for the pupils we serve, and I look forward to continuing to support the community as it builds on these strong foundations.”
