Avonbourne Boys’ Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are very proud to attend Avonbourne Boys' Academy. They relish the opportunity to learn a breadth of subjects and participate in the many clubs on offer, such as chess and musical theatre. Pupils value highly the exceptional education they receive at the school.

Pupils' attitudes to learning are impressive. They have high expectations of themselves and aspire to learn well. Pupils are kind, empathetic and polite towards each other.

Pupils state that bullying is not common and that staff are quick to resolve any issues. Pupils are very well supported by staff. For instance, the carefully designed provision for pupils who struggle with their mental health is exce...ptional.

Pupils develop very strong leadership skills. They experience the democratic process through elections to the school council and lead environmental awareness in the eco-council. Pupils play a part in the development of the curriculum, the choice of enrichment opportunities and promoting well-being at the school.

Boys develop a profound understanding of the importance of freedom of speech and the right to assemble. As a result, they are very well supported to be upstanding citizens of modern Britain.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

Parents typically comment, 'The school helps my son to be the best that he can be.'

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has worked to create an extremely well-structured curriculum that enables pupils to flourish in all areas. Pupils reflect on what they know, before moving on to more complex concepts.

New knowledge is carefully developed, so that pupils draw on this prior learning. As a result, pupils develop a deep understanding of the subjects that they study. Teachers are highly skilled and support pupils to learn well.

As experts in their subjects, teachers empower pupils to apply what they know to complex problems. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities learn the curriculum successfully. For example, in mathematics, Year 11 pupils use trigonometry with precision and understanding to calculate angles.

Reading permeates the entire curriculum. The school has established highly effective ways to nurture pupils' love of books. Consequently, boys speak animatedly about how much they enjoy reading stories, such as 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, and non-fiction accounts, such as 'Black and British' by David Olusoga.

Subject-specific reading strategies support pupils' learning well. They use sophisticated vocabulary to articulate their understanding of the subjects they study. Staff check pupils' reading knowledge and provide additional support when needed.

This is highly effective.

The school prioritises both pupils' academic study and social and emotional well-being. All staff share this vision.

Relationships between staff and pupils are very strong. Pupils are well cared for. As a result, they attend well.

Pupils participate in a breadth of clubs and activities which enrich their physical health.

The personal, social and health education programme is very well designed so pupils learn about the world around them. Pupils are knowledgeable about issues such as consent and what constitutes a healthy relationship.

Pupils develop an impressive understanding of democracy and the rule of law. For example, pupils are well informed about Parliament and the structures of power. Pupils receive effective careers guidance which supports them to make the right choices about subjects and further education.

They are extremely well prepared for the world beyond Year 11.

The curriculum is enhanced by well-planned trips and visitors to school. For example, pupils visited Berlin to complement their history learning.

In addition, pupils visit universities to raise their aspirations.

Governance is very strong. The board of trustees and governors hold the school to account and provide support in equal measure.

Staff are overwhelmingly positive about the support they receive to manage their workload and their well-being. They are very proud to work at the school.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.