Inspectors lavished praise on the school and concluded that it is ‘a welcoming and nurturing place to learn’.  Inspectors were impressed with all areas of provision, and noted that pupils enjoy attending their school and the high expectations teachers have, which pupils rise to meet. 

The report celebrates pupils’ strong sense of belonging to the school community, how they feel safe, cared for and known as individuals and the consistently strong outcomes they achieve.  Etonbury’s curriculum is commended for its ambition, as is the extensive and well-planned programme to develop pupils’ character.  Behaviour at the school is judged to be excellent, attendance is high and pupils consistently demonstrate kindness towards each other.

Principal Jo Young explained how delighted she was with the report: “The report describes what our pupils, parents, staff and visitors tell us, that we are a welcoming school, treat each other with kindness and expect the very best. I am tremendously grateful to all in the Etonbury Community and am confident that we will continue, with such great support, to get better and better – together, there is no limit to what our pupils and staff can achieve and be.”

Dr John Christopher, Chair of Governors at Etonbury said “The inspection team had clearly formed an accurate picture of Etonbury and it was quite moving to hear the comments which reflected from many different perspectives the incredible effort and teamwork that goes on every day to make the school such a vibrant, happy and successful environment.”

BEST CEO, Dr Alan Lee said, “Reading Etonbury Academy’s inspection report is a joy. Rarely have I seen Ofsted use phrases such as ‘belonging … nurturing … kindness …’, alongside ‘ambitious’ (curriculum), ‘extensive’ (extra-curricular programme) and ‘excellent’ (conduct). A school where pupils regularly hold the doors open for one another, wow! All in the ETA Community should be extremely proud of this report, I am a very proud CEO. My congratulations and thanks to everyone.”