In their report, inspectors praised the academy for its ‘strong moral purpose’. They said: “Senior leaders work with a clear sense of direction to improve the school’s provision. There is a strong sense of common purpose founded on the school’s core values of ‘commit, believe and achieve’.”

Inspectors were pleased by the improvements made to the consistency and quality of education at the academy, particularly in the development of the science curriculum, students’ reading skills and personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.

Inspectors noted the curriculum “includes a well-structured careers, information and guidance programme that enables pupils to explore a range of opportunities available to them at the end of Year 11.”

The academy’s provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in the specialist unit continued to be seen as a strength and inspectors commented that: “Provision for pupils with SEND in the main school is improving. Staff recognise and identify pupils’ needs well.”

Another area of development was the sixth-form provision. Inspectors said: “Sixth-form students speak very positively about the way the school is improving. They recognise that the quality of education has improved in many subjects.”

Simon Underwood, Principal at Corby Business Academy, said: “The findings of this report are testament to the efforts and hard work of everyone at the Academy, as well as the important partnerships and collaboration with our community. I am delighted that inspectors have recognised the transformation that has been made at the academy over the last few years, particularly in the high quality of education we provide and in supporting our pupils who need it most.

“I am extremely proud of all the staff and students at our academy and would like to thank governors, trust colleagues and the wider community for their continued support. I have already informed student, parents and carers that our ambitions and aspirations do not stop here, we understand our direction of travel and will continue to make further progress.”

Corby Business Academy is part of local multi-academy trust, Brooke Weston Trust. Inspectors praised the support of the Trust in strengthening leadership across the school. They said: “Trust subject leaders have helped several leaders to develop their curriculums and their teaching. Staff gain from training provided by the Trust’s teaching school hub. Leaders and staff value the Trust’s support.”

The academy’s last full inspection took place in April 2019, with inspectors noting “rapid improvements to morale and to the culture of the school.”