The report highlights the Stoke-on-Trent school's welcoming and inclusive environment, stating pupils at Grove are happy, eager to learn, and highly motivated to meet the high expectations set by their leaders and staff.

Ofsted highlighted the range of enrichment experiences pupils take part in to further enhance learning experiences, with key mention of sporting events both in school and locally which help to foster ‘resilience, cooperation, and teamwork’.

Ofsted reported: 

"The school has high ambition for all pupils to succeed, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The curriculum is well sequenced and organised to build pupils’ knowledge over time. Many pupils are achieving well, particularly in reading and mathematics, because this curriculum is being delivered effectively."

The report went on to praise and acknowledge the steps taken by staff to identify gaps in learning.  

"In mathematics, staff revise what pupils have previously learned and link this to new learning. They check how quickly pupils can recall basic number facts through regular daily practice.

"Staff make cross-curricular subject links to help pupils apply the knowledge they gain in different contexts. For example, in science, pupils learn about how to conduct fair tests and successfully apply mathematical skills to analyse patterns in their results."

Ofsted also praised the way that staff identify pupils who need extra support:

"The systems for identifying pupils with SEND are effective. Staff receive training on how to support pupils with SEND. They skilfully adapt learning and provide additional support to ensure all pupils know what to do. As a result, pupils with SEND are able to access the same curriculum and wider opportunities as their peers."

Headteacher of Co-op Academy Grove, Shirely Carrigan, said:

"We are delighted to be recognised officially as a ‘Good’ school. This has been a long journey for our school and we are so grateful for all of the support from our parents and carers over the last few years.

"Staff have worked tirelessly to make the required improvements and our hard work has really paid off.  We are ambitious and plan to continue to improve."

CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, Dr Chris Tomlinson, said:

"Congratulations to everyone at Co-op Academy Grove. It’s been a long time since the school has been rated Good so we are especially pleased to achieve this for the community in which the school serves.

“To achieve such a glowing report during a period of transition to the Co-op Academies Trust is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and we are delighted to celebrate this achievement. We look forward to sharing future successes with the school community."