Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is celebrating a successful outcome under a demanding new Ofsted regime.
The Oldland Common secondary school is the first secondary in Futura Learning Partnership to be inspected since the education watchdog introduced the system, which judges schools in a range of areas rather than simply giving a one-word grade.
SBL’s main school achieved the expected standard across the board, showing that it is doing everything that it should to support young people to thrive and achieve.
Headteacher Dr Robin Bassford said the inspectors had found that most of the criteria for achieving a strong standard in each area were also met.
“Ofsted’s new approach has significantly raised the bar regarding the quality of education inspectors look for in schools. The ‘expected standard’ is a high benchmark,” he said.
“We are proud that the report comments that ‘the quality of teaching is highly effective’ and that ‘the curriculum is broad and ambitious’.”
The team of five inspectors, who visited the 1,261-pupil school in February, praised the behaviour and attitudes of students and noted the strong relationships with parents and carers.
“The diligent work of tutors and pastoral staff, in partnership with families, has had a clear positive impact on creating a culture where pupils feel a sense of belonging,” their report said.
“Pupils at SBL are proud of their school and enjoy their learning.
“Pupils are polite and respectful towards each other and adults.
The inspectors highlighted the school’s high expectations and consistent approach to pupils’ behaviour, which helps create a calm atmosphere and ensures everyone could learn without disruption.
They also noted the strong support for disadvantaged pupils and those facing mental health challenges, and said that safeguarding practices were a strength of the school.
“The pastoral support offered to pupils is highly effective … Pupils feel safe and have positive relationships with adults and their peers,” the report said.
Recent work to improve attendance and enhance pupils’ personal and social development was praised,
“Leaders ensure that pupils broaden their horizons, social skills and interests during their time at the school. Trips bring the curriculum to life.”
During the visit, the inspectors were complimentary about the current post-16 provision, following significant changes over the past two years. The ‘needs attention’ grade was largely determined by past exam results.
Dr Bassford said he was confident that the improvements in the sixth form would be maintained as the school continued to go from strength to strength.
He said: “We are very proud that the wonderful qualities of our students have been recognised by Ofsted, as well as the excellent work of our staff, governors and Futura Learning Partnership. Thank you to parents, carers and the wider community for supporting the school to achieve our goal of ‘opening doors to success’ for all of our young people.”
Gary Schlick, chief executive officer at Futura Learning Partnership, commented: “This Ofsted report card, under the revised, tougher framework, confirms that SBL is a school that is meeting the needs of its young people and community consistently and strongly and is well placed to go on getting even better. Congratulations to everyone involved and thanks to families for their ongoing support and commitment to the school.”