Avonbourne Girls Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at Avonbourne Girls Academy. They relish meeting the high expectations the school has of how they behave and what they can achieve.

The purposeful and friendly atmosphere is underpinned by warm, supportive relationships. Pupils feel safe. They achieve, behave and attend very well.

The REACH values (respect, equality, ambition, community, hard work and determination) develop pupils' character. Pupils strive to live up to the school's values because these are meaningful to them. These values underpin pupils' exemplary behaviour.

A multitude of cultural, artistic, academic or sporting clubs enable pupils to develop their passions and interests. The... school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged take part in clubs and trips. Consequently, all pupils gain a rich set of experiences during their time at the school.

Pupils feel a strong sense of being part of their house communities. They learn the value of active citizenship as they contribute to the success of their house. Pupils have a positive impact throughout the school by becoming prefects, sports leaders or pupil 'Senior Leaders'.

Many sixth form students are reading volunteers and well-being ambassadors.

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

Pupils, including those with SEND, achieve very well. They gain qualifications and experiences that prepare them for life beyond school.

Some pupils have not achieved as well as their peers in public examinations in the past. However, current pupils have learned the curriculum well.

The school encourages pupils to have high aspirations.

Consequently, pupils are eager to learn all that they can. Students in the sixth form relish the highly challenging work that they complete. They have an impressive knowledge of the subjects they are studying.

The curriculum is broad and highly ambitious. The school has identified exactly what pupils need to know and remember. Pupils revisit what they have learned and build on this.

As a result, pupils develop a deep understanding of the subjects they study.

Teachers have expert knowledge of the subjects that they teach, and of how to enable pupils to learn as much as they can. New learning is explained clearly and linked to what pupils already know.

Teachers rigorously check pupils' understanding. They rapidly identify and close any gaps in pupils' knowledge or skills. Pupils with SEND get effective support to learn the same curriculum as their peers.

Reading is integral to the curriculum. Pupils read daily from an ambitious range of texts which develop their reading and their understanding of important contemporary and historic issues. All teachers are highly skilled in supporting pupils to broaden their vocabulary, including in the sixth form.

Pupils at an early stage of reading are quickly identified. They get the help they need to develop their accuracy, fluency and comprehension.

Pupils are highly motivated.

They work hard in lessons and conduct themselves sensibly around school. The rare instances of poor behaviour are managed consistently well so that learning is not hampered. Pupils who need to improve their behaviour get effective support to do so.

Pupils are celebrated for demonstrating the positive character traits that are enshrined in the REACH values. Consequently, they understand the importance of these. Pupils who are experiencing difficulties, particularly with their mental health, get exceptional support which helps them continue to attend school and achieve well.

Pupils learn about topics such as consent and healthy relationships at an age-appropriate level. School celebrations of different faiths and cultures help pupils to be proud of their own heritage and to develop their knowledge of those who have different backgrounds to themselves. Theology is a valued part of the curriculum in the sixth form.

Students develop a deep understanding of complex issues surrounding faith, culture and wider society.

Activities such as work experience, meeting employers and mock interviews prepare pupils well for their next stages in employment, education or training. Pupils also receive high quality careers information, advice and guidance to enable them to make good decisions about their futures.

They understand how the curriculum links to particular careers.

Staff are well equipped for their roles. They get high-quality training and excellent support for their well-being.

Leaders are relentless, they are keen to improve the school even further. Rigorous oversight by those responsible for governance and the trust ensures that leaders are both challenged and supported.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.