Staff and students at Livingstone Academy, Bournemouth, are celebrating following a recent Ofsted inspection which judged the quality of education at the school to be ‘good,’ with four of the five key inspection areas graded ‘outstanding.’

The school, the brainchild of Aspirations Academies Trust and Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop, was officially opened in September 2023 and accepts children from ages 4 – 19. It is a STEAM focused academy with a strong emphasis on innovation and employability. 

Inspectors deemed ‘Behaviour and Attitudes,’ ‘Personal Development,’ ‘Early Years Provision’ and ‘Leadership and Management’ to be ‘Outstanding,’ in a report which emphasised inclusivity, an exciting and effective curriculum, and the exemplary behaviour of the students.

“We are thrilled that our ambitious and vibrant curriculum has been commended,” commented Executive Principal, Natasha Ullah, “and that our passionate staff and leaders have been recognised for the exceptional work they do to ensure all pupils flourish at LAB.”

The inspection found that the school’s curriculum ‘aspires to improve the life chances of all pupils through its breadth and ambition,’ and that ‘teachers are passionate and knowledgeable.’  It adds, ‘pupils are kind, thoughtful and eager to contribute within the school community and beyond.’

Loren Tharme

Principal Loren Tharme, said: “We are delighted with this report which reflects the hard work, pride and dedication our staff and pupils demonstrate on a daily basis.

“Our school community is driven by the guiding principles of self-worth, engagement and purpose and the inspectors witnessed them in action during their visit, noting that ‘pupils flourish’.

“We couldn’t be happier or more proud of this very first Ofsted assessment and look forward to building on it to raise the aspirations, progress and achievement of every child.”

Speaking on behalf of Aspirations Academies Trust which operates Livingstone Academy, Dr Jeffery Quaye OBE, National Director of Education, Standards, and Quality said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the staff, pupils, and governors of Livingstone Academy.

“I know how hard staff work to  provide the highest standard of education to all pupils and I am elated that Ofsted recognises that excellence permeates all aspects of the school’s work. This is an exceptional and most welcome report.”

• https://www.livingstone-aspirations.org/
• https://www.aspirationsacademies.org/