A top-rated secondary school has been informed by Ofsted that it may not have kept its ‘outstanding’ rating if its latest inspection had been graded.

Leaders at West Lakes Academy say the Ofsted inspection framework has changed and become “significantly more challenging and rigorous than previously”.

However, there is no change to the academy’s current grade of ‘outstanding’ as the inspection carried out in April was ungraded.

The Egremont-based academy was praised by Ofsted for providing a “high quality” education and “effective” safeguarding.

The report says: “Pupils, including students in the sixth form, access a high quality education at West Lakes Academy. Leaders have the highest expectations that pupils will behave well and succeed academically. They want the best for every pupil.

“Governors and trustees support school leaders to continually refine their safeguarding systems. This has helped to ensure a strong culture of safeguarding.”

The report recognises that the academy leadership team has taken steps to improve the curriculum and that “leaders share an ambitious vision for the curriculum. They are clear about the breadth of knowledge that they want pupils and students to learn.”

The report also says: “Leaders have recently raised their expectations of pupils’ behaviour and conduct. As a result, most pupils behave well in lessons. The atmosphere around the school is typically positive and respectful.

“Leaders know that some pupils still find it difficult to manage their own behaviour. At times, these pupils disrupt learning. Leaders are taking positive action to address this. Their support is helping these pupils to improve their behaviour.”

A statement from principal Abby Deeks and chair of governors Vincent Ashworth, said: “We are pleased that the report recognises the many strengths of the academy, in particular that inspectors found that the academy provides a high quality education and that it prioritises safeguarding.

“We are particularly pleased that the inspectors recognised that the academy prioritises safeguarding.

“The report also endorses the steps taken by the new leadership to improve the curriculum offer, strengthen our approach to behaviour and culture, and raise standards overall.

“We are also pleased that the inspectors have recognised improvements in students’ behaviour.

“It is clear that inspectors have recognised the academy is on a journey of improvement. The academy leadership team is determined to take on board the areas for improvement suggested, working with trustees, governors, parents, carers, and the whole academy community to improve the academy’s approach to changing lives through learning.

"Since the academy’s last graded inspection, the Ofsted inspection framework has changed and has become significantly more challenging and rigorous than previously.

“During the recent inspection, inspectors identified that the academy may not receive an outstanding grade were it to receive a graded inspection now.

"This means that the next inspection of the academy will be a graded inspection and will take place within the next one to two years.”