Our Estyn Report

U M Academy was awarded the highest praise possible as a new school from the national inspectorate Estyn.

We were graded ‘GOOD’ in all areas!

Estyn employs a comprehensive inspection framework to evaluate schools and further education settings, encompassing four overall judgments:

  1. Excellent

  2. Good

  3. Adequate and needs improvement

  4. Unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement

  5. Having attained registered school status in 2016, our inspection in 2020 yielded a 'GOOD' rating in all areas. Achieving an 'Excellent' rating requires a demonstration of sustained performance and practice over an extended period, a recognition not typically conferred upon newly registered schools. The Estyn inspection framework revolves around five key areas:

  1. Standards

  2. Wellbeing and attitudes to learning

  3. Teaching and learning experiences

  4. Care, support, and guidance

  5. Leadership and management

Our 'GOOD' grading across all these domains reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering a positive learning environment.

Estyn reported:

“The headteacher has a clear passion and vision for the school, which is sharply focused on enabling girls to thrive and learn. Many pupils make strong progress in their knowledge and skills during their time at the school. “

“Pupils demonstrate strong social skills and encourage each other to achieve their best. This approach reinforces the effective nurturing character of the school. Pupils develop a good understanding of the school’s Islamic ethos, different cultures and faiths, and values such as care and respect, which prepare them effectively for their later life.”

“The bespoke curriculum is well matched to pupils’ needs, reflects the Islamic context of the school and enriches the learning experiences of pupils. The curriculum is supported comprehensively by a range of valuable educational visits.”

It was especially rewarding to be acknowledged for the school's exceptionally caring and nurturing practices. Our dedication to the well-being of every student and fostering an environment where they can thrive and learn is a fundamental aspect of our approach.

Our Case Study:

Estyn extended an invitation for our school to prepare a case study focusing on our efforts to remove barriers and raise aspirations for girls' learning. This case study can be found on Estyn's website, underscoring the impactful direction and decisions made by the school across all levels in recent years.