The Ursuline Academy Ilford

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 February 2026

Leaders have created a kind and ambitious school community where pupils work hard and feel valued. Pupils feel safe at this school. They know who to speak to if they are worried. Pupils say there is no tolerance of bullying, discrimination or harassment. When incidents happen, staff deal with them quickly and fairly. Pupils behave very well. Classrooms are calm and orderly. This helps pupils to focus on their learning. Pupils treat each other with respect. They value the school’s inclusive ethos, which welcomes pupils from many different backgrounds and beliefs. Pupils truly embody the ‘Ursuline virtues’, which develop their character and are celebrated at every opportunity. Pupils enjoy their learning. They work hard in lessons and take pride in their work. Teachers explain ideas clearly and build on what pupils already know. Pupils talk confidently about what they have learned and how new knowledge links to earlier learning. The school is rightly proud of the consistently high outcomes that pupils achieve at key stage 4, which are well above the national average. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities learn well because staff understand their needs and support them effectively. However, post-16 students have not historically achieved outcomes that are close to national averages. Leaders have increased expectations, improved teaching and provided clearer support and guidance for staff to address this. Attendance is close to national averages. Leaders monitor pupils’ attendance and follow up on concerns. For a small number of pupils, absence remains high despite staff taking many steps to help them return to school. Pupils take part in a wide range of clubs, trips and experiences. These include opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the community. Pupils learn how to stay safe online and in the local area. They learn about mental health, healthy relationships and the risks they may face as they grow older.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that their strategies to improve how well students learn and achieve in the post-16 provision become embedded. Leaders and governors must maintain their robust oversight and ensure that improvements are enacted swiftly where needed.
• Leaders should continue to refine and strengthen inclusive approaches to teaching so that support is consistently well matched to the needs of all pupils.
• Leaders should build on current strategies so that their actions lead to rapid and notable improvements in attendance and persistent absence for all groups of pupils.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)