Press Release - July 2026:
Ofsted: Cockburn John Charles Academy meets ‘strong standard’ across the board
Cockburn John Charles Academy celebrates outstanding consistency, becoming the first secondary school in Leeds to
achieve ‘Strong Standard’ in all Ofsted areas
“Pupils make excellent progress at the school” – Ofsted 2026
Staff, pupils, and families at Cockburn John Charles Academy, in Belle Isle, Leeds are celebrating this week following a highly successful inspection (2 & 3 June 2026) by the education watchdog Ofsted. Under Ofsted’s new report card system, the school achieved a “Strong Standard” in every single evaluated category.
Under the new Ofsted framework reaching a strong standard recognises ‘Leaders are working above the standard expected of them’.
The recently published report card highlights a consistently high quality of education and a thriving school community. Unlike previous frameworks that relied on a single overall grade, the new evaluation assesses multiple individual pillars.
Cockburn John Charles Academy achieved the “Strong Standard” across all core inspection areas:
Inspectors also formally confirmed that the school fully met its safeguarding duties, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all children.
Cockburn John Charles Academy is a large secondary school serving a diverse community in south Leeds, with over 1,200 pupils on roll. The school is part of the Cockburn Multi Academy Trust and is led by Headteacher Siobhan Roberts. The academy is committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their background or starting point, have the opportunity to achieve a true Transformation to Excellence.
At the heart of the academy is a deeply inclusive ethos. A high proportion of pupils are disadvantaged, have special educational needs and/or disabilities, or speak English as an additional language. Leaders have created a culture where everyone belongs, and where pupils are supported to succeed both academically and personally.
During the inspection, Ofsted noted the positive relationships between staff and pupils and the strong sense of community across the school. The report highlights that “pupils feel a real sense of belonging… they enjoy coming here and feel safe.” Safeguarding standards were confirmed to be met, with an open and positive culture where safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, as a result “pupils are made safer and feel safe.”
Inspectors praised the school’s approach to attendance, recognising the robust and evidence-informed strategy led by leaders. Through “personalised and compassionate” support, the school has achieved a sustained reduction in persistent absence. “When needed, tailored support is given to pupils and their families, with a particular focus on vulnerable pupils.” As a result, it was noted that pupils “attend well at the school”.
Behaviour was also highlighted as a key strength with “excellent behaviour across the school”, noting the consistent kindness and courtesy they show to one another and to adults. Students routinely demonstrate these values in everyday interactions, from holding doors open to taking an interest in others’ wellbeing. Older pupils act as positive role models, for example by leading extracurricular activities for younger pupils at lunchtimes. This contributes to a strong and “tangible learning culture” across the school, where classrooms are “calm and purposeful” and pupils engage actively and take pride in their work. Bullying and discrimination are rare and, when incidents do occur, leaders respond swiftly and effectively.
The curriculum and teaching were commended for their consistency and impact with “highly effective teaching is embedded across different subjects and year groups.” Pupils make strong progress from typically low starting points and produce high-quality work across the curriculum. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, with a sharp focus on reading and vocabulary development. This ensures that “all pupils make progress through the curriculum regardless of their starting points.”
Inclusion is a defining feature of the academy. Inspectors recognised the school as “extremely inclusive,” as “pupils with the highest level of need receive bespoke support that is tailored to their individual requirements.” Leaders ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum and achieve success, regardless of their starting points.
Leadership and governance were also praised, with leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities and a relentless commitment to improving outcomes for all pupils. Inspectors highlighted that “all decisions taken are in the best interests of pupils,” underpinned by leaders who “are passionate about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or needs, has the opportunity to complete a “Transformation to Excellence’.”
The school’s personal development offer is a further strength. Leaders have devised “a personal development programme that is tailored to the needs of the pupils and the context of the school,” ensuring it is accessible to all, including those with barriers to learning. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities, including “a vibrant arts programme” and a broad offer of clubs and enrichment activities, which are well attended and support the development of talents and interests. With over 70 languages spoken, diversity is actively celebrated through initiatives such as cultural awareness week, helping to build where pupils are proud of their individuality and where mutual respect is demonstrated daily. A strong careers programme and targeted pastoral support ensure that pupils are “very well prepared for their next steps in education, employment, or training,” with a clear sense of ambition for their futures.
Headteacher, Mrs Siobhan Roberts, said:
“The Cockburn John Charles Academy community is incredibly proud of the feedback received from Ofsted. This outcome reflects the collective dedication of our staff, pupils and families in creating a school where inclusivity, ambition and care are at the heart of everything we do. We are particularly pleased that the report recognises the strong progress our pupils make from their starting points and the positive culture that exists across the academy. We remain fully committed to continuing our journey towards excellence, with a clear focus on further improving attendance.”
Executive Headteacher/CEO, Mr David Gurney MBE, said:
“Our vision of ‘Transformation to Excellence’ is rooted in a relentless commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless or their background, can succeed. This report highlights the strength of provision at Cockburn John Charles Academy, from its highly inclusive ethos to the quality of education and personal development on offer. I would like to thank our staff, pupils, families, trustees and governors for their continued hard work and commitment. This is a significant achievement for the school and the wider community we serve.”
You can read the full report below.