The Victory Academy has proudly secured reaccreditation as an Advanced Thinking School by the University of Exeter, recognising the academy’s outstanding commitment to transforming life chances through innovative, inclusive, and child-centred education.
The accolade places The Victory Academy among a select group of schools nationally and internationally acknowledged for embedding metacognitive approaches across every aspect of school life. In their evaluation, the University of Exeter recognised the academy as “an inspirational beacon of metacognitive educational excellence”, adding that it is now “a world-leading holistic educational provider”.
The report commended the school’s clear ethos and values, which drive a “focus on child-centred learning”. Through the “Victory Virtues”, a unique adaptation of the Habits of Mind, pupils are nurtured to develop resilience, creativity, and independence. This model was described as “particularly innovative and impactful” in supporting every child to be their best selves. Assessors also highlighted the inclusive nature of the school, noting that “The Victory Academy is clearly a school that prides itself in achieving and maintaining the highest educational standards via a ‘human’ and fully inclusive provision”.
The reaccreditation was awarded after a rigorous review of the academy’s teaching and learning practices. The staff were recognised for their “innovation, forward-thought, creativity, care, and purpose”, with assessors noting that high-quality professional development is fully embedded at all levels. The report praised the academy’s “excellent induction programme” and strong culture of collaboration, describing its professional development as “a model of excellence” where staff are empowered to continually grow and adapt.
The Victory Academy’s influence extends well beyond its own community. The report highlighted the academy’s extensive work in sharing best practice regionally, nationally, and internationally. From collaborating with Cambridge University Press to support literacy, to hosting schools from Lithuania, Finland, and Zambia. As the report noted, “The Victory Academy disseminates high impact practice across internal subject areas, the local community, cluster schools, nationally and internationally”, ensuring that its expertise benefits learners far beyond its own students.
The evaluation also praised the academy’s culture of reflection and research. Staff and pupils are engaged in an ongoing cycle of inquiry, supported by Thinking Logbooks, Reflective Journals, and lesson study models. This ensures, in the words of the assessors, that “the development of the whole child is a particularly strong aspect of school life”. Assessment practices were described as “exceptional”, integrating thinking tools and self-reflection so that, as the report states, “assessment is the servant rather than the master of the curriculum”.
This reaccreditation builds on a series of accolades already held by the school, including the Artsmark Platinum Award, the Investors in People Award, and the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award.
The report from the university of Exeter, concluded: “The Victory Academy has taken a wonderfully inclusive and innovative holistic educational growth stance… By living up to its ethos and values, learning and thinking are really brought to life such that life-chances and cultural capital are transformed.”
The report from the university of Exeter, concluded:
“The Victory Academy has taken a wonderfully inclusive and innovative holistic educational growth stance… By living up to its ethos and values, learning and thinking are really brought to life such that life-chances and cultural capital are transformed.”
Oliver Owen, Headteacher of The Victory Academy said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been reaccredited as an Advanced Thinking School. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff, the curiosity and resilience of our students, and the strong partnerships we share with families and our wider community. “Our vision has always been to put children first, empowering them to think deeply, act with confidence, and thrive as lifelong learners. This award shows that vision is not only alive, but flourishing.”
Oliver Owen, Headteacher of The Victory Academy said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been reaccredited as an Advanced Thinking School. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff, the curiosity and resilience of our students, and the strong partnerships we share with families and our wider community.
“Our vision has always been to put children first, empowering them to think deeply, act with confidence, and thrive as lifelong learners. This award shows that vision is not only alive, but flourishing.”
This reaccreditation affirms The Victory Academy’s role as a leading school within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, driving forward the mission to Transform Life Chances and proving that with ambition, innovation, and inclusion, every child can succeed.