Following a ‘inadequate’ inspection, John Madejski Academy sought new leadership.

A school in Reading that was deemed ‘inadequate’ by education inspectors may be getting new leadership.

The John Madejski Academy on Hartland Road, Whitley, has had a difficult year after Ofsted inspectors rated it ‘Inadequate’ in October 2023.

The inspection report noted that learning and growth are ‘hampered by poor conduct’ and blamed staff of not knowing the requirements of their students well enough.

The White Horse Federation, which supervises 31 educational institutions in South Central England, runs the secondary and sixth-form schools.

The Foundation took over management of John Madejski Academy in 2018, but is currently looking to transfer control of the school to another trust.

A representative for The White Horse Federation stated, “Since 2018, The White Horse Federation has worked hard to overcome the significant challenges that have hampered John Madejski Academy in Reading.”

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“The school and the Federation have been looking at all feasible ways for improving student results.

“However, after much thought, the board of trustees has determined that John Madejski Academy would benefit from being part of a trust with connections to Reading.

As a result, the board has requested that the school join the Greenshaw Learning Trust, which is well-positioned to assist the academy with the next stage of its school reform journey.”

The Greenshaw Learning Trust operates 35 educational institutions, including Crown Wood and Sandy Lane primary schools, as well as Brakenhale high school in Bracknell.

The White Horse Federation spokeswoman continued: “The planned transfer of John Madejski Academy to the Greenshaw Learning Trust will allow the school to benefit from close collaboration with the Trust’s other schools.

“This proposal will now be considered by the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) regional director, on behalf of the secretary of state for education, with advice from the Headteacher Advisory Board.”

The White Horse Federation and Greenshaw Learning Trust will consult with staff, parents, and the school’s wider community on the idea. Details about this consultation will be shared with stakeholders soon.

The transfer of John Madejski Academy to Greenshaw Learning Trust is subject to approval by the DfE regional director.

The school has received ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’ ratings in five inspections since 2015.

In the most recent inspection, the Ofsted team stated that students who participated in sports and extracurricular activities gained valuable experience.

The Labour administration revised the rating system for Ofsted inspections, with’single overall grades’ being phased out beginning in September.

The reform comes after Reading headteacher Ruth Perry died, and a coroner determined that the Ofsted inspection process led to her death.

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