Outwood Academy Valley

History

Prior to its conversion, Valley Comprehensive School was graded as an inadequate school with a Notice to Improve with 43% of students achieving the 5+A*-C measure including English and Maths in 2011, which was more than 10% below its target.

In September 2011 Outwood Grange Academies Trust began its journey with Valley Comprehensive School. The school was converted and became part of the Outwood Grange Academies Trust and was renamed Outwood Academy Valley with Rob Tarn as the Principal on 14 August 2014.

The transformation began immediately and by May 2012 Ofsted stated that the ethos of the school was so different they were going to remove the inadequate category, and grade the school as good with outstanding features. They commented that behaviour was constantly outstanding and that the outstanding leadership and management had resulted in the school making rapid progress in a short period of time. That year the school exceeded its target for the first time and achieved 68% 5+A*-C including English and maths.

The academy continued to excel in all aspects, with results the following year reaching 78% with Angela Hull as Principal. Ofsted re-visited the school in March 2014 and graded it once again as good with outstanding features. The report stated ‘Outstanding leadership and management ensure that the quality of teaching and students’ achievement are continually improving. In September 2014, Dr Smith became Principal at both Outwood Academy Valley and Outwood Academy Portland. Results have continued to improve and in 2015 the Academy achieved a record breaking value added score demonstrating outstanding progress and achievement.

Ofsted Judgement

The academy has received a rating of "Good", from Ofsted in its latest inspection in March 2014.

Praising Stars - Academy Tracking and Reporting System

The progress of each student is monitored closely throughout their Praising Stars system of half-termly assessment, monitoring and intervention. As a commitment to parents they report on every child’s progress every six weeks, giving accurate information for all subjects. The academy holds three parents’ evenings per year where all parents/carers have the opportunity to meet all subject teachers to discuss progress.

Behaviour and Discipline System

The academy uses a system of escalating "consequences" as a framework for discipline, beginning with C1 and ranging through to C6 (exclusion). This has proven to be highly successful in altering negative behaviour patterns and providing students with full responsibility for their actions and any following outcomes.

Vertical Mentor Groups - Daily Pastoral Support

Tutor groups are mixed-age with students from all 5 year groups being included in each mentoring group. This means that each group evolves every year, as older students leave and are replaced by younger students entering the school. An advantage of mixed age tutor groups is the increased sense of community, allowing for students to share experiences and foster understanding.

Post 16

On 3 September 2008 the then Worksop Post 16 Centre opened. The building is across the road from the then Valley Comprehensive School which layer became Outwood Academy Valley. The Post 16 is an alternative to college, and is operated in conjunction with Outwood Academy Portland.

Academy Presidents

Every new academic year the school elects its President and Vice-Presidents for the remainder of the academic year, via Student Voice – the student council body of the academy. The President and Vice-President roles replace the more traditional Head Boy/Girl and Vice Head Boy/Girl roles. Each election, three or four candidates are chosen to stand for election, the winner becoming the President and the remaining candidates becoming Vice-Presidents. The results for past elections are as follows:

October 2011

1. James Oddy
2. Hannah Muambe
3. Jade Fotheringham

October 2012

1. Jordan McManus
2. Ben Story
3. Bryony Proctor

October 2013

1. Jade Gordan
2. Ben Story
3. Jack McKinnal
4. Leah Patrick

October 2014

1. Oliver Spacey
2. Tyler Machin
3. Darcey Frances Murfet

October 2015

1. Blake Hull
2. Tyler Machin
3. Winnie Tai
4. Ania Kutchnia

Notable former pupils