Bluecoat Beechdale Academy has been described as a “happy” and caring” school by Ofsted inspectors who rated it ‘good’ following a recent inspection.
The team of Ofsted inspectors heaped praise upon the school, where they reported that “leaders have established a culture of belonging and self-belief in this learning community”, where students are rewarded for being kind, curious, resilient and positive.
Pupils were found to be friendly and polite, and told inspectors that they are rewarded regularly and staff are fair. Pupils at the school demonstrated high levels of punctuality and a desire to learn. They also told Ofsted inspectors that they felt safe in school and that high expectations were clear.
The school, which was rated ‘good’ in its last inspection in 2017, has high aspirations for its pupils, “…wanting every pupil to aim high in education and in life, with a curriculum that aims to bring the richness of the world into the classroom”.
Staff were described as proud of their pupils and were praised for thinking carefully about the important knowledge they will learn through an ambitious curriculum. Inspectors also recognised that staff have considered carefully how best to support individual pupils and involve parents.
Classrooms and corridors at the school are orderly and pupils learn how to keep themselves and others safe, seeking out help and advice from adults when they need to.
Principal Sarah Bailey said:
“This report captures our ethos exactly and summarises the excellent education, support and care that we offer our students.
“It is absolute testament to the hard work and relentless commitment of our staff. Regardless of whether they are support staff or teachers, every member of our team does their upmost to ensure our young people and their families get the very best educational offer possible, and I am so incredibly proud that we are able to provide the community of Bilborough with the high-quality education it deserves.
“The inspectors were able to see excellent education in the classroom and the exceptional behaviour of our students. They are the reason we come to work every day, and I am delighted that we have received this external validation for the great work we continue to do for our children. I am proud of each and every one of them.”
During the two-day visit, inspectors also praised learning beyond the classroom highlighting opportunities to be sports leaders, to make props for the Royal Shakespeare Company and to visit universities.
They highlighted a whole-school approach to teaching reading, a rapid improvement to the provision for children with special educational needs and a varied programme of careers advice and guidance.
Sian Hampton, CEO of Archway Learning Trust, said: “We are extremely proud of everyone at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy, this is a brilliant inspection report and testament to their hard work.
“As a trust, we put high-quality teaching and learning at the forefront of all that we do, and we are delighted that this has been acknowledged. The inspectors recognised all the amazing work the staff at BBA do to ensure the community it serves has the very best educational opportunities. We will continue to ensure the highest standards of education for our pupils, safe in the knowledge that we are supporting them to be the best they can be.”
The full Ofsted report can be viewed below.
