Nine Maidens AP Academy in Redruth was inspected by Ofsted this summer and the inspectors have now confirmed that the school continues to be good.

The school is part of Acorn Academy Cornwall Multi-Academy Trust, which comprises six regional alternative provision academies and one medical academy. Nine Maidens AP Academy provides support to pupils who are permanently excluded or at risk of permanent exclusion and aims to reintegrate them into mainstream or special schools.

The inspectors noted that the successful development of pupils’ social and emotional skills is a particularly strong feature of the school’s work, and that staff continue to look for new ways to improve achievement whilst using funding well to help pupils catch up and improve their reading skills. Nine Maidens APA strives to ensure that disadvantage pupils achieve similar progress to that of their peers, and the inspectors noted that the school adapts provision to help those in danger of falling behind.

The governors and leadership team were praised for ensuring a calm and settled environment where pupils feel safe and secure, and the close and supportive staff team who share their commitment and vision – to improve the achievement and outcomes for vulnerable pupils.

The inspectors recognised that staff provide support and guidance to other schools in the area in order to share good practice.

Principal Jonathan Stocker, said: "It is good to receive recognition of the high quality education provision which is provided by Nine Maidens in supporting the most vulnerable pupils in the local community.”

Rob Gasson, CEO of Acorn Academy Cornwall, added that he is “extremely pleased that the judgement reflected the hard work of staff and governors and the excellent relationships that exist between the staff and pupils, which enables these pupils to succeed as well as they do.”