South East Essex Academy Trust

Progress continues at Cornelius Vermuyden School

Cornelius Vermuyden School is delighted to share the positive outcomes of the recent His Majesty’s Inspectorate (HMI) visit, which took place on 10 and 11 December 2024. Since being asked by the Department for Education (DfE) to support the school in April 2024, the South East Essex Academy Trust (SEEAT) has been leading efforts to implement significant improvements. This visit marked the second monitoring inspection since the school was placed in special measures in November 2023, and inspectors have noted considerable progress in key areas. 

   

Key Highlights from the HMI Visit: 

 

  1. Curriculum Development: Inspectors noted the school’s redesigned curriculum, which is ambitious and tailored to the needs of its students. Staff have successfully worked with SEEAT’s subject communities and students are now learning more.
  2. Reading Initiatives: Dedicated reading lessons for Years 7 and 8 are inspiring a passion for reading, supported by a well-resourced library. Efforts to support struggling readers are underway, with new staff appointed to address literacy barriers.
  3. Behaviour and Safeguarding: The school has made significant strides in behaviour management and “leaders have successfully secured a culture of safeguarding” ensuring all students feel safe and supported.
  4. Support for SEND Students: The integration of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into mainstream classes has been a success, ensuring full participation in school life. While some challenges remain, ongoing improvements are addressing these effectively.
  5. Attendance Improvements: Interventions to improve attendance are showing positive results, with overall absence rates declining. The school’s internal provision for students at risk of permanent exclusion is delivering promising early outcomes.

  

Inspectors praised the partnership with SEEAT for providing valuable expertise, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for staff. They highlighted the trust’s robust governance and support systems, which have been instrumental in driving improvements while prioritising staff well-being. 

  

The school is particularly pleased that inspectors have lifted restrictions on appointing Early Career Teachers (ECTs), a vote of confidence that recognises the robust systems in place to support new teachers. This is a milestone as Cornelius Vermuyden continues to build a strong and dedicated teaching team. 

 

Executive Headteacher Desi McKeown expressed pride in the school community’s efforts, stating, “The progress acknowledged by the inspectors is recognition of the focus, hard work, commitment, and collaboration of our students, staff, trustees, and the SEEAT trust. We are on a journey of rapid improvement.” 

 

The full letter from Ofsted is below:

 

10347749 the cornelius vermuyden school 140308 final pdf.pdf

 

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