Bosses of £25m school The Deanery react to Ofsted report

The Deanery CE Academy on Peglars Way in Wichelstowe first opened its doors back in 2019 and was inspected for the first time on September 12 and 13.

Ofsted deemed the secondary school to be ‘inadequate’ in a highly critical report.

“Pupils have not had opportunities to learn about and discuss discrimination and fundamental British values,” the report said following the inspection on September 12 and 13.

The Deanery opened in 2019. (Image: Dave Cox)

“Without this experience, pupils do not understand that homophobic or racist comments are unacceptable.

“Pupils are not receiving an adequate education.”

“Pupils have not had opportunities to learn about and discuss discrimination and fundamental British values,” the report said following the inspection on September 12 and 13.

“Without this experience, pupils do not understand that homophobic or racist comments are unacceptable.

“Pupils are not receiving an adequate education.”

The Deanery is a secondary school in Swindon. (Image: Dave Cox)

READ MORE: ‘The school needs help’: Parent speaks out about failing £25m academy

The school is overseen by the Diocesan Board of Education, a statutory body which has the purpose to support church school education.

The board was “deeply saddened” to learn of the details in the Ofsted report and has assured parents that additional support is incoming.

The statement said: “The Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) of Bristol Diocese are deeply saddened by the outcome and acknowledge that student progress is not good enough and significant work will be required to ensure the academy is a place where students and staff can flourish.

“In this difficult time, DBE is keeping the staff, parents and students in mind and is supporting DBAT and The Deanery CE Academy as they develop solutions to move forward.

“The trustees of the school acknowledge the committed work of DBAT staff who have been engaged in many ongoing improvements over recent months.

Inside the £25m school.

READ MORE: £25m school’s damning Ofsted report 'incredibly disappointing'

“DBAT is working with partners, including the Regional Director for the South West and Diocesan Board to develop additional support for the school.”

Swindon Borough Council previously reacted to The Deanery’s criticisms and promised to “immediately” help to improve the issues.

Councillor Adorabelle Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is incredibly disappointing news for the children, parents, staff and everyone associated with The Deanery.

“It is imperative that swift and decisive action is now taken to ensure the school provides the standard of education that its pupils deserve.

“We will be working closely with the Department for Education’s regional director and the Diocesan Trust to ensure that this improvement journey starts immediately.”