We are delighted that Bluecoat Trent Academy has recently undergone its first Ofsted inspection since opening in September 2021, and has received a “Good” rating with inspectors praising the “inclusive school” where “pupils feel happy and safe.”
The report covers four judgements, and the school achieved “good” for Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes and Leadership and Management, and “outstanding” for Personal Development, giving an overall “good” rating.
The school currently has 660 Year 7, 8 and 9 students on-roll and with the addition of a new cohort each year will be full by September 2025.
Claire McManus, Principal at Bluecoat Trent Academy, said: “We are delighted that our first inspection has been so positive and that the strengths of our school have been recognised. It really is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues in the school and the wider trust. We are committed to excellence for all students, no matter their starting point in life.”
The personal development which the school encourages was particularly highlighted in the report, with the inspectors commenting: “The school is committed to pupils’ personal development, as well as their academic success. It organises a wide range of opportunities so that pupils can explore existing interests and talents, discover new ones, and take on responsibilities. A large number of pupils participate in these activities, including disadvantaged pupils.”
Inspectors noted the wide range of enrichment opportunities on offer at the school and the report states: “The school has very carefully considered how to develop pupils’ characters and their skills and interests.
“The school’s careers programme is equally well designed, and pupils are being very well prepared for their next steps.”
The report also comments on the CARE ethos – citizenship, aspiration, respect and excellence, stating that this underpins all that the school does. Claire continued: “It’s so important to us that there is a strong sense of community in our school and that our students feel they belong. I couldn’t be prouder that that has been recognised.”
The school is currently temporarily based on the site of Bluecoat Aspley Academy, another Archway Learning Trust school, whilst a brand-new state-of-the-art building is being constructed close to Mapperley Park on the former site of Clarendon College to house the school permanently.
Referencing this, the report says: “Pupils demonstrate a sense of pride towards their school, which only opened in September 2021.The school is in temporary accommodation, but the environment is calm and purposeful.”
In terms of behaviour, the report notes: “The school has a clearly understood behaviour policy that helps pupils to conduct themselves well. Within lessons, disruption is rare. If it happens, pupils respond well to the support they receive to manage their behaviour in the future.
“Clear and consistent routines ensure that pupils behave well and focus on their learning. At social times, pupils show respect to staff and to each other. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils know that staff take any concerns seriously.”
Sian Hampton, Chief Executive of Archway Learning Trust, said: “I am unbelievably proud of everyone at Bluecoat Trent Academy for this fantastic achievement. Achieving a “good” Ofsted report as such a new school is a brilliant accomplishment.”
Inspectors noted in the report that the trust fully supports the school’s ambitious vision and its distinctive culture, provides robust and effective support and challenge, and that staff feel valued and proud to work at the school.
Sian continued: “I am so pleased that the inspectors recognised how closely the trust and school work together, and that staff feel valued and proud. This is fantastic to read, especially as our values centre around collaboration, inclusion and excellence. This result really demonstrates our vision to transform the lives of all through the power of working together.”
