The Wells Academy is the first secondary school in Nottingham to be inspected by Ofsted under its new framework, which aims to provide parents and carers with a more balanced picture of the school’s strengths and priorities
The Wells Academy(Image: Penguin PR)
A Nottingham school is celebrating its outstanding improvements following its latest inspection after it was previously rated “requires improvement”.
The Wells Academy, in Ransom Drive, on the Mapperley and St Ann’s border, was commended for its “orderly environment”, with parents “overwhelmingly positive” about the school.
The academy is the first secondary school in Nottingham to be inspected by Ofsted under its new framework, which aims to provide parents and carers with a more balanced picture of the school’s strengths and priorities.
Five outcomes – urgent improvement, needs attention, expected standard, strong standard and exceptional – have replaced the previous ratings – inadequate, requires improvement, good and outstanding.
The Wells Academy, part of the Greenwood Academies Trust, is now rated “expected standard” following its January 2026 inspection from the watchdog.
The school was previously rated “requires improvement” in 2023 but has since celebrated its strongest GCSE results in 2025.
The four inspectors looked at six areas during the check – achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.
The school’s strong and stable leadership and its “orderly environment” were among the aspects praised by the inspectors, who also commended the opportunities and progress available to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Substantial improvements” achieved in recent years were highlighted, particularly in strengthening teaching, improving behaviour and attendance and supporting pupils to achieve good results.
The inspectors said: “Over recent years, trustees have ensured that the school’s new leadership team has galvanised to make substantial improvements at the school.”
They added: “School leaders work with moral purpose and determination to ensure the school improves pupils’ life chances, regardless of any challenging circumstances in their lives.”
“High staff morale” and retention were also highlighted, with the school’s “inclusive culture” providing pupils with “high quality pastoral support”.
The inspectors’ report reads: “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”, describing them as “overwhelmingly positive about the school”.
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.”
The Wells Academy currently has 704 pupils on roll, which is below its capacity of 800.
Wayne Norrie, chief executive officer of Greenwood Academies Trust, described the outcome of the inspection as “significant and well-deserved”.
He said: “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.