Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you had a restful festive holiday with your family and loved ones, and have had a celebratory start to 2026.
I cannot think of a better way to start the new module than to be able to share with you the Ofsted Inspection Report for Leigh Academy Halley that has been published today. We are immensely proud of this outcome and I wanted to write to you directly to explain what it means for our community and, most importantly, for your children.
Our Ofsted inspection took place in the last module, and we were one of the first schools nationally to be visited under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which is significantly more rigorous and challenging. Under this framework, the highest judgements — including “Exceptional” — are used very rarely, and only where practice is of the highest standard nationally.
We are delighted to share with you that the inspection team judged the school to be “Exceptional” in 5 areas, with the remaining areas evaluated as “Strong Standard”. Inspectors recognised that the Academy’s work has a “phenomenal” impact on students’ lives.
As you will see in the attachment to this letter, and which can now be found on our website, the report recognises the exceptional work of our students and staff. Inspectors saw a calm, purposeful academy where students feel safe, attend well, behave positively and are supported to achieve and thrive. They recognised the strength of our relationships, the consistency of our systems, and the deeply inclusive culture that runs through daily life at the academy. Above all, they saw young people who are known well, cared for and challenged to succeed.
This achievement belongs first and foremost to our students, whose attitudes, conduct and commitment impressed inspectors throughout the inspection. It is also a reflection of the extraordinary professionalism, care and dedication of our staff, who work tirelessly every day to ensure that pupils are supported academically, socially and emotionally.
I would also like to thank you, our parents and carers, for the trust you place in us, and for the partnership we share, to educate and care for your child. Inspectors recognised the importance of this relationship, and this report reflects the strength of the community we have built together around your children.
We hope this report gives you confidence that Leigh Academy Halley is a place where your child is safe, supported and encouraged to achieve their very best. We are incredibly proud of our school and grateful to be working in partnership with you to support your child’s success.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Russell | Principal
Click here to read the ofsted report