Kader Academy in Acklam has achieved Ofsted’s second-highest rating across every inspection category after a visit by officials in May. The inspection report, published on 1 July, awards ‘Strong standard’ in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
The 450-pupil school on Staindrop Drive is led by headteacher Janet Donald and joined the Prince Regent Street Trust in December 2023. Inspectors noted that the academy’s vision of ‘One family. Little people. Big dreams’ is woven through daily life, with staff treating every child as their own. “Many parents and carers comment that leaders and staff treat each child as they would their own, prioritising their needs and wellbeing,” the report states.
Pupil outcomes sit comfortably above national figures. The latest three-year average shows 76% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to 61% nationally. Half of the children speak English as an additional language, and many start school with knowledge and skills below the typical level, particularly in language and communication. Despite this, disadvantaged pupils outperform their national counterparts by a wide margin: 70% reach expected standards in the three core subjects, against the national disadvantaged average of 46%.
The inspection was carried out on 19 May 2026 by a team led by His Majesty’s Inspector Kathryn McDonald. The report identifies two areas for continued work: sharpening the teaching of writing so more pupils reach the higher standard by the end of Year 6, and sustaining the drive to improve attendance. These are the only strands singled out for development in an otherwise glowing assessment.
Kader Academy last received a full inspection in April 2022, when it was rated ‘Good’ under then-principal Alison Mitchinson. The step up to ‘Strong standard’ underlines the progress made since joining the trust, which is led by CEO Julia Armstrong with a board chaired by Kay Steven and includes five other primaries across Stockton and Middlesbrough.
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