'Rigorous' new inspection style lands one of Sheffield's biggest schools its best ever results from Ofsted
“I could not be prouder of the journey Hinde House has been on”
One of Sheffield’s biggest schools says its latest Ofsted report is the strongest it’s ever had despite the inspectors’ “rigorous” new style.
Hinde House 2-16 Academy, in Shiregreen Lane, is one of the first secondary schools in Sheffield to get a visit from the inspection watchdog under new rules.
The new framework introduced in 2026 no longer hands out one-word summaries to schools like ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Good’ - but is now widely considered much more demanding over what evidence schools must provide.
It’s now led to Hinde House, which has 1,450 pupils on its roll, scoring what it calls ‘the highest standards its ever had’ in a report published on April 23.
Ofsted gave a thumbs up to nearly every aspect of life at the all-through school and praised its inclusion of pupils from “all walks of life” - but noted that exam results for Y6 children heading into Y7 has historically come up short.
The report reads: “Everyone is included at Hinde House. Pupils come from all walks of life. Many speak English as an additional language. More than half are disadvantaged, and many have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
“Teachers help everyone, regardless of their needs. Pupils who face extra challenges do very well here.
“Pupils, parents and staff say that behaviour has improved markedly. There has been a cultural shift as a result of leaders' actions. Relationships are ‘warm yet strict’.”
Its SEND provision was particularly praised: “Leaders identify and assess the needs of vulnerable pupils swiftly and accurately. Staff put precise adaptations in place. They are well trained to enable them to do so.”
However, Hinde House were also told pupil achievement “needs attention”, writing: “Historically, too few pupils have left Year 6 with the knowledge and skills required for Year 7. This is reflected in tests, which have been typically below average over time. Leaders are aware of this.”
The school was rated Good at its last inspection in 2021, but Principal Daniel Cross called the new report one of their best.
"The new Ofsted framework is extremely rigorous and looks in detail at all aspects of school life,” said the principal. “The standard is the highest it's ever been.
“As an academy, we are extremely proud that we were able to fully evidence all the amazing work we do.
“I could not be prouder of the journey Hinde House has been on. Our relentless commitment to high expectations, warm relationships, and strong inclusion shone through during our Ofsted inspection.
“I would like to thank all our staff, students, and families for their support as our journey to becoming a school of limitless possibilities continues."
Mike Westerdale, CEO at Brigantia Learning Trust, said: “I am immensely proud of the staff and wider community at Hinde House 2–16 Academy.
“This report is a strong endorsement of the determination, care, and professionalism that colleagues demonstrate every day.”