INSPECTORS have praised Winterbourne Academy’s culture of high expectations and clear sense of community.
Ofsted inspected the school, which has 1,783 students aged from 11 to 18, in April – its first visit in nearly four years.
It was the first inspection under the regulator’s new, more complex assessment system, brought in after overall judgements were scrapped.
In their report, published in July, the team of six inspectors said the school had met Ofsted’s expected standard in all areas: achievement; attendance and behaviour; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; leadership and governance; personal development and well-being; and post-16 provision.
The inspectors said: “Pupils enjoy being part of Winterbourne Academy.
“They generally behave well in lessons and are keen to learn. Sixth-form students act as positive role models for younger pupils, showing self-discipline and maturity.”
The report said pupil achievement is improving over time and is above national averages at GCSE in many subjects. Post-16 achievement is in line with national averages.
The inspectors said: “The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Leaders have carefully set out what pupils will learn so that they build their knowledge and understanding.
“Leaders, including those responsible for governance, ensure a culture of high expectations at the school.
“They make sure the interests of pupils and their families are at the forefront of every decision taken at Winterbourne Academy.”
The school’s “effective action” to further improve attendance was highlighted in the report.
‘Sense of belonging’
The inspectors said: “Leaders have created a sense of belonging, so that most pupils want to attend, and they understand the importance of coming to school.
“Leaders prioritise actions to ensure that all pupils feel part of Winterbourne Academy.”
Attention to individual educational and pastoral needs of pupils includes a ‘well-being hub’ and a wide range of other support to help pupils look after their mental health.
The “well-designed” post-16 study programme includes a range of vocational and academic courses delivered in partnership with two other schools.
The inspectors said: “The courses are carefully matched to students’ individual needs and aspirations.”
Report ‘reflects positively’ on whole community
Head teacher Jenny Cartwright (above) said: “We are very pleased with the report and how the inspection team have noted and praised aspects of our school that are central to our aims and purpose, in particular a sense of belonging, care and community, coupled with high expectations and breadth of provision.
“We are proud to be meeting the expected standard in all areas – a standard the government defines as ‘a high standard, to make sure your children are receiving everything they need and deserve’.
“Throughout the whole report there are statements that reflect positively on the whole community at Winterbourne, staff, governors and students, as well as on the relationship with stakeholders beyond the school gates.
“There are always next steps after an Ofsted report and recommendations.
“Ours are to make sure that the best opportunities are always available to every single child all of the time, so that all barriers to learning and to attendance are consistently removed for every young person – and this indeed is our aim going forwards and our mission as a school.”