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Harris Academy Rainham has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all areas following a recent inspection. Download the full report.

This is the first time Ofsted has inspected the academy since it joined the Harris Federation nearly three years ago. Its predecessor school, The Chafford School, was deemed as requiring improvement in all areas by Ofsted.

Culture of high expectations

The turnaround of the academy was noted in the report, saying that the academy’s leaders have a ‘good understanding of the school’s strengths and continually seek to improve the areas that still need development.’ 

Inspectors also commended the academy’s culture of ‘ambition and high expectations’ where the leaders ‘care about the pupils and have high expectations for what they can achieve.’

The report highlights that:

• ‘Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They are polite and courteous’
• ‘Pupils benefit from an extra-curricular programme, which enables them to develop skills and interests outside the classroom’
• ‘Staff are highly motivated and proud to work at the school’
• ‘The school’s work to promote tolerance is strong. Pupils said the school is inclusive, respectful of the differences between individuals.’

Gareth Stananought, Principal of Harris Academy Rainham, said: “Our students, parents, staff and governors can all be extremely proud of our first Ofsted inspection report. There is a lot to celebrate in it – it shows that we’ve created a happy and successful school community where our students thrive. As the report makes clear, not only have we made significant progress over the past three years but we have a very bright and positive future ahead of us. I know our academy will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”

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What Ofsted says...

"The headteacher and other leaders have high aspirations of what pupils can achieve, which permeates throughout the school."

"Leaders have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and continually seek to improve the areas that still need development."

"Staff are proud to work at the school. They value the opportunities they have for continuing professional development."

"Pupils feel safe in school. They feel they can speak to staff with concerns they may have."

"Typically, pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They are polite and courteous."

Download the full report.