Balcarras School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The clear vision of the headteacher to give all students an education of the highest quality is evident in every aspect of the school's work. Inspirational teaching, combined with excellent individual encouragement for all students, results in outstanding progress.

Standards are high. They are well above national averages and continue to rise. Academic information is used well by teachers to support and guide students.

Skills are taught at a pace that suits the learner. Discussions between students are of high quality, and encourage them to think deeply. Effective literacy skills are encouraged in all subjects and contribute to t...he high standards.

Students demonstrate outstanding behaviour in lessons and around the school. They want to be in lessons and to learn. They are eager to take part in all that the school offers.

Attendance is well above average. Students and staff alike appreciate being at school. Almost all students take part in at least one after school activity.

There is a pervasive culture of enjoying learning. The focus on individual effort is reflected in the high quality of displays. Students are very safe in school.

The procedures for rewarding good behaviour and dealing with poor behaviour work extremely well. The school nurtures and encourages positive relationships between everyone, no matter what their position in school. Effort is rewarded and everyone is highly motivated to do their best.

School leaders and governors work extremely well together, and are always visible around the school. The school is always looking at ways to get even better. It is highly effective in improving the education for students in other schools through its work as a teaching school.

The sixth form is outstanding. The quality of teaching, leadership and what the school provides is exceptional. Students gain a very high standard in examinations.

Information about this school

Balcarras School is larger than the average-sized secondary school. It became a teaching school in May 2012. There are 20 schools in the partnership.

The school provides initial teacher education training through the school direct route. Almost all students are of White British heritage and the percentage of students from minority ethnic groups or who speak English as an additional language is lower than the national average. The proportion of students eligible for additional government funding, known as the pupil premium, is below average.

In this school this funding is used to support children in the care of the local authority and those known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of disabled students and those with special educational needs who need extra support is below the national average, as is the proportion of students who need more extra support or who have a statement of special educational needs. The school does not use any off-site training provider.

The school meets the government's current floor standard, which is the minimum level expected for students' attainment and progress for secondary schools. Balcarras School converted to become an academy school on July 2011. When its predecessor school, Balcarras School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding.

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