Sunrise Academy, in Church Lane, Lowestoft, celebrates ‘significant achievement’ of good Ofsted rating

A SEND school which was rated good by Ofsted has celebrated the grading as a ‘significant achievement’.

Sunrise Academy, in Church Lane, Lowestoft, was previously graded inadequate by the education watchdog, which was effusive in its praise for the school’s improvement journey on its latest visit.

The school, which takes in pupils aged nine to 16 with social, educational and mental health needs, was recognised for its ‘compassionate and kind’ staff by inspectors, who have the requirements of their students at the heart of their work.

Sunrise Academy joined the Eastern Education Group in 2024. It achieved the good rating in all areas, while the report said it has improved ‘rapidly’ since joining the trust.

Nikos Savvas, CEO of the group, said: “This is a significant achievement for Sunrise Academy. There is always more work to be done, however, and we will continue working closely with the school’s team to raise standards so that the school provides the same exemplary levels of education and care that are delivered by Eastern Education Group’s other schools and colleges.”

All children at the school have education, health and care plans, and Ofsted said they benefit from strong working relationships with the staff.

Inspectors said staff have high expectations of pupils and they follow a learning plan which matches the ambition of the national curriculum.

The Ofsted report said students enjoy their learning, are happy at the school and they work hard towards their individual targets.

Inspectors said the school could improve on its writing provisions as some pupils have gaps in their skills. They said Sunrise Academy did not provide support ‘consistently well’ to fill these gaps.

They added the school could do better at checking placements at alternative provisions result in the best outcomes possible.