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Trinity Sixth Form Academy praised in latest Ofsted inspection with a Strong standard across all graded areas

External scrutiny matters. Ofsted reports give families and prospective students a clear, independent window into what happens in our classrooms every day.
The 2025/26 academic year brought a major shift in how school quality is measured. Under Ofsted’s new Education Inspection Framework, inspectors dive deeper into individual areas of performance rather than relying on broad brushstrokes and boxes ticked.
When Ofsted visited Trinity Sixth Form Academy for our first inspection under this new framework, the result was clear: Strong standard across every single graded area.
It’s a milestone achieved alongside Trinity Academy Cathedral, which also achieved Strong Standard across the board under the new framework.

Inclusion isn’t a buzzword. It’s daily practice.

When young people feel supported, they achieve more. Inspectors saw this culture in action from the moment they arrived, noting how staff shape an environment where every single student is expected, and helped, to succeed.
“Leaders and staff successfully promote an inclusive culture, underpinned by frequently updated evidence-informed strategies and specialist training. They ensure that students achieve and thrive, irrespective of starting points or barriers to learning.”
This ethos extends to every learner in our care. The inspection team paid particular attention to how students with high needs are supported to take ownership of their education:
“Students with high needs produce work of a high standard. They take pride in their work, maintaining well-organised folders and portfolios which they revisit frequently to ensure they have clear, accurate notes to aid their revision.”

Teaching that builds real confidence

Great teaching does more than help students pass exams; it teaches them how to think. Inspectors observed how quickly our young people grasp complex ideas and turn them into practical, academic skills.
“Students make rapid progress from their starting points in developing new knowledge and skills. They gain a deep understanding of the knowledge that they need to be successful in their subjects and become skilled in evaluation, analysis and critical thinking.”

Real choices for life after sixth form

High standards in the classroom lead to better opportunities when students leave. Whether that means a top university or a hands-on apprenticeship, our role is to open doors.
“Students are very well prepared for their next steps. Four fifths of students progress to university, with around a quarter of these gaining places at prestigious universities. This proportion has increased over the past few years and has more than doubled since 2023. One fifth of students progress to apprenticeships or work in careers directly related to their areas of interest and study.”

Proud, but never finished.

This report is a welcome validation of the unwavering effort our teachers, support staff, and students invest every single day.
It proves that when you combine high ambitions with genuine pastoral care and evidence-backed teaching, young people thrive. But while a strong inspection report is a great place to reflect, it isn’t our finish line. We’ll keep pushing, refining, and innovating, because our young people deserve nothing less.
Click to read the full report.
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