CLF Post 16, which is based on the John Cabot Academy site in Kingswood, has earned the highest Ofsted grade of ‘Outstanding’.
It was inspected in November alongside JCA and was judged to be ‘a welcoming school’ where students feel ‘a strong sense of belonging’ and are supported to succeed.
In her report, lead inspector Frances Bywater said: “The CLF Post-16 ethos of ‘Care, Believe, Achieve’ is fully realised. Students in the post-16 provision come from a wide range of schools. Across the whole school, pupils feel a strong sense of belonging.
“Students in Post 16 enjoy their time at school. They receive a high quality education. They feel motivated to succeed. Teachers encourage and support them to do this effectively.
“The school has high expectations of pupils. Lessons are calm and focused. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm.”
On CLF Post 16’s curriculum and teaching, the report said: “Students in the post-16 provision have a broad and varied range of subjects available to them. The qualifications have been carefully selected to ensure that they are fully inclusive.
“Students, including those who have previously had negative educational experiences, thrive here. This is a result of the thoughtful academic and pastoral support.”
On inclusivity and enrichment, the report said: “Post 16 students are particularly articulate in talking about equality and diversity. Pupils of all ages value and respect people with different backgrounds and beliefs.
“They appreciate the many extra-curricular opportunities that the school provides. These include a wide range of enrichment planned within the curriculum. In the post-16 provision, students create and lead their own clubs.”
And on careers provision, Ofsted said: “A comprehensive careers programme provides pupils and post-16 students with helpful guidance. They learn about university and vocational routes.
“The school has developed strong partnerships with other providers. The destinations pupils and students go on to are a real strength of the school.”
The report also said teachers at Post 16 are ‘aspirational for all pupils’, while praising its safeguarding systems and pastoral support.
Kath Cooper, principal at CLF Post 16, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the ‘Outstanding’ outcome for the CLF Post 16. It is a recognition of the exceptional work of the Post 16 staff over time, every day, embedding a rich, quality and inclusive provision.
“The students in our care contribute to building a strong community ethos of hard work and conscientious attitudes, which drives achievement and establishes aspirational destinations and careers.
“This is an excellent provision and it is wonderful to be judged and valued for the exceptional Post 16 centre we are: successful, unique and bespoke.”
Sally Apps, deputy chief executive officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “The curriculum offer, paired with the excellent pastoral care, has opened doors to students and enabled them to achieve their potential – sometimes against considerable adversity. We are all very proud of what the students, parents, staff and leaders have achieved to date.”
The trust has had approval from the Department for Education for CLF Post 16 to move to proposed new premises at the former Speedwell Fire Station site next to Bristol Brunel Academy but it is undersrtood that funding for the project is currently under review.
‘Warm and welcoming’ John Cabot Academy praised
An ‘inclusive’ environment, ‘ambitious curriculum’ and a ‘rich learning experience’ have helped Bristol’s John Cabot Academy retain its rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted inspectors.
A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing the academy, during which time inspectors met with senior leaders, teachers and students, and carried out a deep dive into a number of subject areas.
At the conclusion of the process, the Ofsted team heralded John Cabot as ‘a welcoming school’ where ‘students feel a strong sense of belonging’.
They rated the school as ‘Good’ for the quality of its education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership.
In her report, lead inspector Frances Bywater said: “Pupils in John Cabot Academy enjoy their time at school. They receive a high quality education. They feel motivated to succeed. Teachers encourage and support them to do this effectively.
“The school has high expectations of pupils. Lessons are calm and focused. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm.”
On teaching and attainment, the report said: “John Cabot has created an ambitious curriculum. It provides pupils with a rich learning experience.
“The school focuses on the needs of disadvantaged pupils. Staff ensure that they remove barriers to learning. As a result, pupils achieve very well in GCSE examinations.”
On SEND provision, the report said: “The school is committed to ensuring that pupils are successful, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
“Pupils with SEND have their needs accurately identified. For the most part, staff make appropriate adaptations to meet these needs. As a result, these pupils achieve well.”
On student care and behaviour, Ofsted said: “The pastoral care provided by the school is a strength. The school makes every effort to promote high attendance and challenge absence. As a result, pupils’ attendance at school is high.
“The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. Staff apply these expectations consistently and fairly. Consequently, pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.”
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at the school, and within its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Kate Willis, Principal at John Cabot Academy, said: “I am delighted by the Ofsted report which is a wonderful description of our ‘welcoming’ school to which ‘pupils feel a strong sense of belonging’.
“We talk a lot about the vision for JCA: Empowering ourselves and our community by nurturing students as individuals, inspiring them through learning and raising our community.
“Consequently, I am thrilled that Ofsted have seen much of our vision realised. It means our students are thriving academically; flourishing and growing as young people.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “I am delighted for the community, who have seen their local school successfully transition from having been a City Technology College in the 1990s and early 2000s to a highly successful local comprehensive school, serving the needs of all its learners. Congratulations to our brilliant team for this recognition of their excellent work.”