Rapid improvements at a Northumberland school where pupils are “valued and nurtured” have been recognised by the Department of Education.
  

Emily Wilding Davison School in Ponteland has successfully applied to have an academy order overturned following the school’s transformation from inadequate to good in all areas in just 18 months.   

 

Ofsted inspectors visited the Northumberland County Council community special school for secondary aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in July. They found the school had “rapidly improved” and presents a “calm and pleasant place to learn.” 

 

They praised the “high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievement” and how pupils are “valued and nurtured.”   

 

The Department for Education (DfE) has now revoked the order to convert the school into an academy, acknowledging the significant progress made. This decision means the school will remain a council-maintained community school.   

 

The news has been warmly welcomed by the school’s headteacher, governors and education leaders at Northumberland County Council.  

 

Headteacher, Dr Michael Hutchison, said: “We’re delighted with the decision to revoke our academy order. The school’s belief has always been that the capacity and expertise to deliver the necessary improvement was already present within the school.  

 

“We’ve also worked closely with Northumberland County Council’s school improvement, HR and inclusion teams.  

 

“With the introduction of a new curriculum, modifications to the school building and the development of more bespoke provisions, we’ve been able to realise our vision of a personalised education for all.  
 

“Our Ofsted inspection in July found us to be Good in all areas – a phenomenal achievement in such a short time frame but one that was symptomatic of the school’s capacity for sustained improvement.  
 

“This judgement brings joy to the school community and validation that their dedication and efforts in the face of significant pressure was worthwhile. 
 

“They are an amazing team and I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do.” 
 

The school first opened in September 2022 following a relocation from its previous site at Atkinson House School, Seghill. 
 

The investment by the council into the new facilities enabled the school to expand its pupil numbers to 100 and become co-educational.  
 

It is part of the council’s wider plans to create more specialist school places across the county.  
 

The council’s dedicated school improvement team works alongside the county’s maintained schools and academies, and also those in neighbouring local authorities, to provide a wide range of support.  
 

Ofsted ratings for schools in Northumberland remain consistently at their highest level with 94% rated good or outstanding, higher the national average. There are no inadequate schools in the county. 
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People, said: “This is tremendous news and I would like to congratulate everyone involved on the hard work and commitment shown by all to deliver this transformation. 
 

“It recognises how everyone wants the very best for pupils and how they are supporting them to thrive and reach their potential.”