The Four Cs Academy Trust is pleased to announce the outcomes of three recent Ofsted inspections for its schools.

MANOR DRIVE SECONDARY ACADEMY, a brand-new school, opened in September 2022 was the first to be inspected on 4/5 March 2025.  The result was a very pleasing ‘Outstanding’ in Personal Development and a ‘Good’ grading for the other 3 categories (Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Leadership and Management).

The inspectors commented on the relationship between the school and the Trust as “successfully managing the school's rapid expansion since its opening in 2022.  Their determined mission to build a strong school for the local community has underpinned this.  Staff share this sense of purpose.  They are proud to work at the school."

Headteacher, Jo Sludds said “I am exceptionally proud of the outcomes of Outstanding for Personal Development and Good for all other areas.  As a brand-new school all the staff and students, have worked incredibly hard to foster a supportive and ambitious learning environment. We will continue to ensure out students enjoy a rich, broad curriculum that encourages educational curiosity and personal growth, providing them with the knowledge and skills to embrace their future with confidence.”

ARTHUR MELLOWS VILLAGE COLLEGE was the second school in the Trust to receive an inspection this year and was delighted to announce the outcome of its most recent Ofsted, which has once again affirmed the College’s exceptional standards and commitment to excellence. The inspection, conducted on 7/8 May 2025, rated the College Outstanding in four out of five key areas.  The College was described as welcoming and vibrant, where pupils are happy, friendly, highly respectful, and motivated and where lasting friendships are made.

The full inspection report praised the school’s exemplary personal development, ambitious leadership, pupils outstanding behaviour and attitudes, a quality of education where teaching is typically strong and pupils achieve well, and a Sixth Form of the highest quality in all areas.  Overall the result was a very pleasing ‘Outstanding’ in 4 categories: Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management and the Sixth Form.  Quality of Education was judged to be ‘Good’.

Head of College, John Gilligan commented on the report: "We are immensely proud of this report. To be judged as outstanding in so many key areas is testament to the relentless dedication of our staff, the excellent conduct of our students, and the strength of our wider school community. While we are pleased with the ‘Good’ rating in the quality of education, we view it as a platform to continue improving and innovating our curriculum to achieve even greater impact for every learner.  Pupils told inspectors how they were proud of our school; I would echo that but add how proud I am of them"

MANOR DRIVE PRIMARY ACADEMY, another brand-new school, opened in September 2022 was the last to be inspected on 13/14 May 2025.  Again the result was a very pleasing ‘Outstanding’ in Early Years and a ‘Good’ grading for the other 4 categories (Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management).  The inspection highlighted that the school "places high value on everyone being included, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported”. 

Headteacher, Emma Marks said “As the Headteacher of Manor Drive Primary Academy, I am incredibly proud to lead our school and witness the dedication and passion of our staff and students. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence in education”.

The Trust is absolutely delighted with all of the above Ofsted outcomes which accurately reflect the education they provide for the young people they serve.

Mike Sandeman, CEO of the Four Cs Academy Trust said “I am absolutely delighted with these recent Ofsted outcomes.  They celebrate everything that the Trust stands by: ‘an excellent education for all’.  The hard work of schools and Trust staff in securing these worthy judgements of our provision is very pleasing and my thanks go to everyone involved. The judgements are overall an amazing tribute to the whole of the Four Cs Academy Trust community – students, staff, parents, Governors and Trustees – and I am so proud of everyone’s contribution to these excellent reports.”