Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

Benedict Biscop is an outstanding school. Parents and carers express extremely positive views about the education it provides for their children, describing it as, 'A fabulous school, fabulous opportunities.' Pupils' achievement is excellent.

By the end of Year 6, pupils' attainment is significantly above the national average and pupils have made exceptional progress from their starting points. Children get off to a flying start in nursery and continue to be very successful learners throughout their time in school. The school is appropriately making further developments to the Early Years Foundation Stage provision.

Care and support for pupils are outstanding, including in the before- and afte...r-school provision. Each child is cherished as a unique individual and is taught to respect themselves for their special qualities and the contribution they make to the life of the school. Teaching is outstanding in all phases of the school.

It is based on excellent knowledge of pupils' needs and an outstanding, exciting curriculum that is adapted extremely well to pupils' interests. Lessons buzz with enthusiasm throughout the day. Daily worship makes an excellent contribution to pupils' strong sense of community and their outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils' collaborative skills are of the highest order and make a tremendous contribution to their rate of learning. Pupils' safety and well-being are paramount.

Pupils say that they are very safe in school, and their parents and carers agree. Leadership and management, including governance, are outstanding. The inspirational leadership of the headteacher motivates all to give of their best.

The pursuit of excellence is evident in every aspect of the school's work. The deputy headteacher monitors pupils' progress assiduously to ensure that every pupil is kept on the track to success.

Information about the school

The school is of average size for a primary school.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils, pupils with special educational needs or with a statement of special educational needs is broadly average. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds, though there is an increasing proportion from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Few pupils speak English as an additional language. The school meets the current government floor standard. The school has received many awards since the previous inspection including, Healthy School status, Eco-Schools, Sport England, the Artsmark Gold and the Full International School Award and Quality in Study Award.

The governing body manages the breakfast and after-school provisions. The school has recently gained academy status. It becomes The Benedict Biscop Church Of England Academy on 1 February 2012.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms