Judgemeadow is a GOOD School

Following a two-day Ofsted inspection in October 2022, Judegemeadow Community College in Evington, Leicester, has been graded a ‘Good’ school, with inspectors submitting a report that praised strong safeguarding and subject expertise, as well as the positive values and ethos of the school. 

Having previously been graded ‘inadequate’ in 2016, the five-strong team of Inspectors recognised the excellent progress made across all areas; quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.  

New school leadership and the support gained since joining the Lionheart Educational Trust in 2018 were recognised as having led to significant improvements, reflected in Ofsted’s detailed report. 

The report praised the safeguarding measures in place, noting the culture of care at Judgemeadow, where students feel safe within school and staff work with a range of other agencies, including the police and social care, to support pupils and their families. The inspection report noted ‘The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. There is a culture of care at Judgemeadow... Safeguarding leaders take swift action when concerns are raised’ and also stated, ‘The curriculum supports pupils in understanding how to keep themselves safe.’ 

The inspectors reflected that the improvements were clearly evident in students’ good conduct, respect and the care they show for one another. It said: 'Staff at Judgemeadow have high expectations of all pupils. Leaders want pupils to succeed academically and socially. Pupils are enthusiastic about the merit system and are proud of their achievements. Teachers encourage pupils to be ‘upstanders.’ 

Inspectors recognised the high-quality education that students also receive, praising reading and the wider curriculum, including opportunities beyond the classroom. It said, ‘Leaders and teachers prioritise reading. There is a system in place to support weaker and early readers’ and ‘Leaders take the school’s context into account when designing the curriculum. The curriculum supports pupils’ wider development and provides them with a range of enrichment opportunities.’  

Jason Smith, Principal of Judgemeadow Community College, said: “We are immensely pleased that the good work of staff and students at Judgemeadow Community College has been recognised by the Ofsted team. Our community can now say what we’ve known for some time, ‘Judgemeadow is a Good School’.”

CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust, Kath Kelly added: “This excellent Ofsted result for Judgemeadow has been borne out of a well-balanced partnership between Lionheart and the school. Together, we are always considering where improvements can be made and that was clearly recognised by the huge improvement in Ofsted rating at this latest inspection. It's also thanks to staff, students, their families, and the community partners who make Judgemeadow an amazing and safe place for students to learn and achieve.” 

During the visit, Inspectors observed classes, interviewed school staff in depth, and sought the views of students and parents. 

Both Judgemeadow Community College and Lionheart Educational Trust are delighted with the result. 

Click here to hear our Principal discuss the Ofsted report in his interview with our 'In the Meadows' podcast team.