A YATE school which is “highly ambitious for every pupil to achieve their full potential” has been highly praised by Ofsted.
A team of five inspectors visited Yate Academy, in Sundridge Park, in May – the education regulator’s first visit in nearly four years.
It was also Ofsted’s first inspection of the school, which has 801 pupils aged from 11 to 18, under a new, more complex assessment system, brought in after overall judgements were scrapped.
In their report, published in July, inspectors said the school had met Ofsted’s ‘strong standard’ – above the expected level – in five areas: achievement; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; leadership and governance; and personal development and well-being.
It met the expected standard for attendance and behaviour, and post-16 provision.
The inspectors said: “Pupils at Yate Academy enjoy school and are proud of what they achieve.
“Staff know pupils well and understand their individual needs.
“Behaviour in lessons and around the school is very positive. Pupils listen carefully, work hard and show pride in their learning.
“Pupils relish learning. Those who are experiencing disadvantage make particularly quick progress through the curriculum.
“Pupils who need extra help, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, receive prompt and effective support.
“There are a multitude of clubs, trips and enrichment activities on offer.”
‘Particularly high’ achievement for disadvantaged pupils
The inspectors said pupils “achieve very well”, which is reflected in their “very positive outcomes” in GCSEs and other exams at the end of Year 11.
They added: “The achievement of disadvantaged pupils is particularly high. Over time, the attainment of these pupils has been significantly above national averages.”
The report said that in areas where achievement has “not been so positive over time”, including post-16 provision, school leaders have made well-considered decisions to bring about improvement.
The inspectors said: “The curriculum is highly ambitious and well planned for all pupils.
“Leaders use their shrewd understanding of curriculum quality to ensure that every subject is taught with clarity and builds on pupils’ learning over time.
“Teachers explain new ideas clearly and with precision.
“Pupils who attend the specially-resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities receive the right support to enable them to excel in mainstream education alongside their peers.”
‘United in determination’
The inspectors also highlighted precise support for children in care, which “enables them to thrive”.
They said: “Staff and leaders are united in their determination to ensure that pupils receive an education that enhances both their academic achievement and personal development.”
The personal development programme, from health and online safety to cultural and moral issues, was also highlighted.
The inspectors said: “Pupils are celebrated for demonstrating positive character traits, cementing their importance.”
Work to monitor and improve any attendance issues, including with pupils who had been off for a significant time, was also praised.
The report said: “Leaders share their attendance expectations and approach frequently with parents and carers to secure their buy-in.”
The inspectors said sixth form, students “increasingly achieve well”.
Achievement in A-levels has been close to national averages, but in applied general subjects, such as BTEC qualifications, it has been “consistently above” average.
The report said: “Leaders have improved the curriculum to ensure that students achieve consistently, well regardless of the qualifications that they undertake.
“Students benefit from study programmes that are well aligned to their future ambitions.
“Work experience, curriculum links and employer visits help students to develop their understanding of the options available to them after the sixth form.
“As a result, most students go on to university, including the most academically selective, when they leave.”
‘Sustained improvement’
Greenshaw Learning Trust, which runs the school, said the report places it “among the highest-performing schools in the region and reflects sustained improvement”.
Head teacher Eddie Rakshi (pictured above with pupils at the school) said: “This report reflects the dedication and ambition of our staff, pupils and wider school community.
“At Yate Academy, we are passionate about ensuring every young person can thrive both academically and personally and remain focused on providing the very best opportunities.”
Trust chief executive Will Smith said: “This report is a testament to the commitment and expertise of everyone at Yate Academy.
“We are proud of what the school has achieved and look forward to continuing our support.”