Good news for JCB Academy as latest Ofsted report issued

13 March, 2024

L-R: Nadhi Koratagere (16), of Rugeley; Arjun Aneesh (14), of Stoke-on-Trent; Jess Rushton (15), of Stoke-on-Trent; and Lewis Cuffe (16), of Rugeley

The JCB Academy maintains unbroken record of ‘Good’ ratings since its first in May 2014

THE JCB Academy – the Staffordshire/Derbyshire region’s most over-subscribed school – has achieved top-class results in its latest Ofsted report.

The Academy achieved a ‘Good’ rating from government inspectors who visited the Rocester-based school at the end of January, citing its excellent connections with industry and the outstanding employability skills of learners. The report maintains the JCB Academy’s unbroken record of ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted since its first in May 2014.

The specialist engineering and business Academy, which is sponsored by JCB, was praised for its teaching in close collaboration with prestigious employer partners such as JCB, Toyota, Bosch Rexroth, Rolls-Royce, National Grid, and Harper Adams University.

Chair of governors and JCB group HR director Max Jeffery said: ‘The educational experience at The JCB Academy is second to none and provides an outstanding platform for students to not only excel academically, but also prepare for their future careers. This report reflects the Academy’s unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, alongside a rigorous and ambitious curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all learners.’

The JCB Academy principal Jim Bailey, said: ‘We are immensely proud of our learners, staff, and the strong support from our industry partners. This report is testament to our collective hard work and dedication to not only meet, but exceed, the educational standards expected of us.’

Jim Malin, hydraulic training manager at Bosch Rexroth Ltd, added: ‘The Ofsted rating is no surprise, and a well-deserved recognition of overall excellence. Learners’ readiness for the industry is testament to the Academy’s high standard of teaching and the employability skills instilled in learners.’

Based in a historic 18th century former cotton mill, the Academy is a non-selective school for 13-to-18-year-olds within an 18-mile radius – with its 810 students travelling from the Staffordshire Moorlands, Burton, Derby, Ashbourne, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, and Stone.

For Years 9 and 10, 645 applicants applied for the 210 places on offer, indicating the Academy will again become the most over-subscribed educational establishment in both Staffordshire and Derbyshire.