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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 16 November 2023

Abbey College Ramsey celebrates ‘Good with Outstanding features’ Ofsted report

Students and staff at Abbey College and Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors found that the school continued to be ‘Good’ and rated its personal development and sixth form as being ‘Outstanding’.

The report, which comes just after the launch of its new Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form, praises the whole school on its “calm environment that ensures pupils feel safe” and “rich and diverse personal development curriculum”, as well as “expert teaching” for post-16 students at Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form.

Quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management were each rated ‘Good’, with personal development and sixth-form provision considered ‘Outstanding’. This led to an overall rating of ‘Good’.

Andy Christoforou, Headteacher at Abbey College said: “We are thrilled by the incredibly positive comments made by Ofsted inspectors. Securing another ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, especially after changes to the inspection framework and disruption caused by COVID-19, is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, students, parents, and community. It’s humbling to know that we provide our community with the high-quality education and outstanding sixth form it deserves.”

The school has received awards for its outstanding contributions in areas of personal development, the arts, mental health support, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, whilst introducing Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form to ‘further develop and refine’ its Post-16 offer.

Mr Christoforou continued: “It has been a remarkable year for us, marked by numerous accolades that wholeheartedly recognise our efforts. Whether through our personal development programmes, dedicated commitment to the arts and mental health support, or the school’s inclusive and nurturing environment, we aim to leave a positive impact on every facet of our students’ lives.

“I am particularly pleased to note the praise for our school’s core values of humility, intuition and passion shone through the report. These qualities underpin our dedication to not only academic excellence but our commitment to shaping our students into well-rounded individuals.”

The report heaped praise on the school’s teachers and students in all areas of the report:

• ‘Pupils at Abbey College are happy, kind and friendly’
• ‘Pupils benefit from an orderly, calm environment’
• ‘Within lessons, disruption is rare’
• ‘Their interactions with adults and other pupils are very respectful’
• ‘Routines are clearly understood and followed’
• ‘Pupils benefit from an orderly, calm environment. Pupils queue up sensibly at the start of the day and before lessons. They move around the school very considerately. Transitions between lessons and social time are made in a calm manner’
• ‘These established routines ensure that pupils feel safe.’
• ‘The school has very high expectations for what students should achieve’
• ‘[Pupils] are well prepared to realise their potential because they study a rich and varied, well-taught curriculum’
• ‘Teachers have high expectations of what pupils should achieve’
• ‘Teachers have the appropriate subject knowledge to teach the curriculum well. Teachers routinely check what pupils remember and understand’
• ‘Teachers are skilled at adapting their teaching if there are gaps in what pupils remember’
• There are clear processes to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)’
• ‘…pupils with SEND access the school’s ambitious curriculum, achieve well, and keep up with their peers’
• ‘Students speak passionately about the varied and interesting careers guidance they receive. They are extremely well prepared for future study or work.’
• ‘Governors fulfil their role and statutory duties with skill and dedication’
• ‘The arrangements for safeguarding are effective’
• ‘Students in the sixth form benefit significantly due to an ambitious curriculum and expert teaching’
• ‘Students speak passionately about the varied and interesting careers guidance they receive’
• ‘Pupils have an excellent understanding of the leadership opportunities that are open to them once they finish school and how to achieve them’
• ‘Pupils benefit from a rich and diverse personal development curriculum’
• ‘The school has carefully considered how to develop pupils’ character as well as their skills and interests’
• ‘Pupils talk with pride about the additional skills they learn that prepare them well for their adult lives’
• ‘Pupils are actively involved in the wider community. Pupils gain resilience and confidence’

Samantha Moore, Head of Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form, said: “We are delighted at the ‘Outstanding’ rating for our sixth-form provision in Ramsey.

“Our aim has always been to provide a supportive and enriching environment for our older students, where they can flourish academically and personally. Besides their academic accomplishments, what truly makes us proud is how the report illustrates our student’s growth into young adults, fully prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

The report can be read here.

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 18 September 2023

Abbey College receives LGBTQ+ Rainbow Flag Award

Staff and students at Abbey College, Ramsey have received an award for their commitment to improving inclusion and diversity.

This recognition underscores the school’s commitment to raising visibility of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, plus other related identities) rights and combatting instances of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

Siobhan Dowd, Assistant Headteacher and Moral and Spiritual Lead, said: “We are thrilled to  have achieved the LGBT+ Rainbow Flag Award, which is a testament to our three Spirit virtues: humility, institution and passion. I’m proud of our staff and students who work towards these principles every day, leading us to receive this incredible recognition.”

The Rainbow Flag Award is granted to schools that excel in six areas: skilled teacher, supportive governors and parents, effective policies, inclusive curriculum, pastoral support and student voice.

Staff at Abbey College proactively educate students about equality and diversity by implementing an inclusive curriculum and comprehensive PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) programmes.

The school amplifies its students’ voices, promoting an environment where they are empowered to express their perspectives and concerns. A significant aspect of this effort is its dedicated Pride Group, consisting of students who actively take part in curriculum planning to ensure it remains responsive to evolving needs. The group plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing any comments or behaviours that do not uphold inclusivity standards.

Additionally, Abbey College has revised its school policies, and signposts to support spaces where students can seek advice.

Students were overjoyed when they learnt the news, and a founding member of the school’s Pride club said: “The progress our school has taken towards the Award has made it a better environment and a more inclusive place for everyone.”

Siobhan continued: “We believe in providing a safe environment where our staff and students celebrate one another’s differences and consider the impact of our actions on those around us.

“This award reaffirms our dedication to improving the lives of all young people and aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire inclusive and acceptance in our students.”

The project has been funded by the Government Equalities Office, via the Department for Education (DfE).

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 24 August 2023

Abbey College proud of remarkable GCSE achievements

Students and staff at Abbey College are glowing with pride after receiving their GCSE results today.

Andy Christoforou, Headteacher at Abbey College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and perseverance leading up to their outstanding results today.

“While the exams were sat under more usual conditions, we must not forget the significant disruption these students have faced during their secondary education. After completing Year 7, the pandemic forced most students to complete their learning away from schools as the country battled the challenges of COVID-19.

“These are truly remarkable results, especially given this context, and are a testament to the hard work they have put in over the past few years. We look forward to seeing many of them returning to our brand new Sixth Form, Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form, in September.

“The tireless efforts of our excellent teaching and support staff should also be recognised. They have all worked above and beyond to help students secure these excellent results.”

Strong results were secured across the whole curriculum, including GCSEs in Maths, English Literature, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, French, Art, and Physical Education. Vocational courses in Music and Business Studies also secured high grades, with an average grade of a Distinction.

Individual successes at Abbey College include:

• Year 11 student, Isabelle, achieved 11 Grade 9s and one Grade 8.
• Annabelle McCabe achieved 9 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s.
• Taylor Foss achieved five Grade 9s and 4 Grade 8s, as well as a Level 2 Distinction.
• Travis Lindsay achieved 6 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s, as well as a Level 2 Distinction* and a Level 2 Distinction.
• Tom Waterworth achieved four Grade 7s, alongside a Level 2 Distinction and 5 Grade 6s, whilst competing in the British Schools Championship where he won two Gold medals at middle distance, one at 800m and one in the 4x400m relay. Tom is the English Schools Champion and has also been selected to represent England in the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB).

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 17 August 2023

Sixth Form students at Abbey College, Ramsey are celebrating fantastic post-16 results today.

Strong results were achieved across different subject areas, including A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, English Literature, Chemistry, and Biology; and vocational qualifications in IT and Engineering.

Early indications show that the vast majority of students have secured places on their first choice university courses.

Samantha Moore, Head of Sixth Form at Abbey College, said: “We are delighted for all the students’ who have worked so hard to achieve these exceptional results, with every grade reflecting the dedication and persistence seen throughout their last few years of study.

“While there has been much discussion about A level results, we should not forget that for many of these students this will be the first formal exams they sat after their GCSE exams were disrupted by the pandemic.

“Alongside their academic achievements, we’re most proud to have seen our students grow into successful young adults, ready to face the further challenges of studying at university, apprenticeships, or the world of work.

“We are pleased that most of our students have achieved entry to their first-choice universities or apprenticeships. We wish them every success in their continuation of academic studies or at the beginning of their new careers.”

This excitement is set to continue as the college is set to open a newly renovated Sixth Form, named Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form in September.

Samantha Moore added: “These results lay the foundation for success that will build upon as we open our new Ramsey Gatehouse Sixth Form in the next few weeks – reflecting a new, exciting, and mature Sixth Form for students in our community. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort and continuing these fantastic achievements.”

Abbey College Sixth Form’s top performers included:

• Elliott Allan who achieved A* in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and has an offer to study Engineering at the University of Cambridge (Gonville and Caius College)
• Caitlyn Herbert who achieved an A* in Fine Art and A in Biology and Psychology and looks to continue her study of Psychology at the University of York
• Eleanor Smith who achieved Distinctions in Applied Science, Business Studies and Engineering and will be completing an apprenticeship in Pharmaceutical Dispensary
• Isla Radford achieved a Distinction in Applied Science and an A in Fine Art and B in Criminology and will study Forensic Science at Anglia Ruskin University
• Teodora Rosu achieved excellent results in Chemistry, Maths and Biology and will be studying Chemistry at University College London

The Hunts post article can be found here and the Peterborough Matters article can be found here.

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 15 June 2023

Abbey College receives prestigious Artsmark Gold Award

There were smiles all round as staff and students celebrated being awarded a Gold Artsmark Award for their outstanding commitment to Arts education.

Artsmark is Arts Council England’s accreditation granted to schools in the UK that champion cultural education. It celebrates schools that go above and beyond in promoting creativity, developing talent, and fostering an appreciation for the arts among pupils.

In the journey towards achieving the Artsmark Award, the school has developed the arts and culture provision at the school and embedded it in a broad and balanced curriculum. Prioritising the Arts has brought a focus on wellbeing to young people, and promoted positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the school. Harnessing the power of the Arts to nurture emotional wellbeing, self-expression and personal growth played a role in Abbey College securing the esteemed accolade.

The full news article can be found here.

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 23 March 2023

Ten Pupils of Abbey College (TPOAC) have released their own album! Shotgun-14 was launched as part of a project with Common Ground, a progressive organisation that helps young people explore heritage in East Anglia.  During the project, the students learned how to use professional recording equipment, trialling hydrophones, geophones, Shotgun and binaural microphones leading them to create their own master pieces from soundscapes of the Abbey building, gardens and ponds.   

The album can be downloaded for free by visiting: tpoac (bandcamp.com) 

Read more here: https://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/23406465.abbey-college-students-become-artists-release-album/

TPOAC was selected for Bandcamp’s “Best Field Recordings on Bandcamp: March 2023”, which is absolutely amazing! They also wrote a very lovely review:

"TPOAC stands for Ten Pupils of Abbey College, a group of students from a secondary school in Ramsey, England, participating in a local arts and heritage festival. For their contribution to the festival, the group of teens were given microphones and allowed to record around their campus. The results exhibit the excitement of exploring one’s surroundings in a new way. Though the raw materials here are everyday sounds, TPOAC edit them into songlike structures. On tracks like “The Break” and “Help,” crunching twigs and insect chirps are juxtaposed with a pounding beat to create compelling musique concrète compositions, demonstrating how much one can do with some basic equipment and a lot of creativity.”

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 08 March 2023

The school has said thank you and good by to two long standing governors who accumulated nearly eight decades of supporting the school between them!

As a token of gratitude, Esmond and John were presented with pictures of the Abbey which were drawn by one of the school's very talented past students.

Please see the full press relaease at https://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/23351474.abbey-college-ramsey-bids-farewell-two-long-standing-governors/

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Written by Katie Dodsley

Published: 24 January 2023

The writer of the critically acclaimed novel 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin', Louis de Bernières, has visited students of Abbey College in Ramsey.

Staff and pupils welcomed Louis de Bernières to the school on December 15th 2022 for two inspiring seminar-style sessions. 

More information can be found in the Hunts Post article.