'A culture of inclusion pervades the school': Alderwood Academy earns strong Ofsted ratings
An Ipswich alternative provision academy that supports some of the town's most vulnerable young people has been praised by Ofsted for its inclusive culture and the "clear moral purpose" of its leaders.
Why it matters: The inspection, carried out on 28 April 2026, was Alderwood's first under the renewed Ofsted framework. The academy, which is part of the Raedwald Trust, supports pupils who have a range of vulnerabilities and are all identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities — many of whom have missed significant periods of education or previously faced the risk of permanent exclusion.
The details: Alderwood Academy, on Raeburn Road, received strong standard ratings — the second-highest grade available under Ofsted's new inspection framework — in three of six areas assessed: attendance and behaviour, inclusion, and leadership and governance.
The remaining three areas — achievement, curriculum and teaching, and personal development and wellbeing — were rated at the expected standard. Safeguarding standards were also met.
Ofsted inspectors praised the school's "vigilant culture" around attendance, noting that systems for recording, analysing and reviewing attendance are precise, and that swift action is taken when barriers to attendance are identified. The report states this "has resulted in a notable improvement in attendance and engagement of nearly all pupils."
On inclusion, the report found that leaders have put in place "highly effective systems to identify pupils' needs even before they start with the school," producing detailed plans and drawing on checks at the trust's assessment centre, home visits and discussions with professionals.
What they're saying: Headteacher Tom Baker said: "The recent Ofsted inspection at Alderwood was both positive and supportive. It was recognised that we support some of the most vulnerable young people within our community.
"Something all staff should be extremely proud of is that Ofsted recognised that our culture of inclusion pervades the school."
The Ofsted report was equally complimentary about the leadership team, stating: "Leaders at all levels show a clear moral purpose to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils. This ambition is evident in the consistent and skilful leadership practice seen through the school. Leaders know the school and each pupil very well. They use detailed monitoring and accurate analysis to identify what they are doing well, and what needs development."
Angela Ransby, chief executive officer of the Raedwald Trust, added: "We are extremely proud of the staff and students at Alderwood Academy, and the recent Ofsted report reflects much of what we already know and appreciate about Tom and his team.
"With this vindication and a subsequent spring in our step, staff will work to ensure that Alderwood continues to be a hub for young people to thrive in ways they may never had previously thought possible."
What's next: Ofsted's one area for development asks leaders to ensure that the curriculum for pupils on each pathway is consistently well matched to their needs, so that they develop secure knowledge and are well prepared for their next stage.
The bottom line: Alderwood Academy's first inspection under the new Ofsted framework reflects a school with a strong sense of purpose — one quietly doing important work for some of Ipswich's most vulnerable young people, and doing it well.
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