Bluecoat Wollaton Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders at all levels have ensured that a strong culture of ambition permeates every aspect of school life. Almost all pupils achieve very highly, both academically and in their personal development.

Leaders and those responsible for governance, have a strong sense of moral purpose. They are passionate about securing the very best outcomes for all pupils, irrespective of their background. Senior leaders have a precise and incisive understanding of the school's strengths.

They are not complacent, continually looking for ways to further improve the school. Pupils attain highly and make outstanding progress in a range of subjects, in...cluding English and mathematics. Disadvantaged pupils make outstanding progress as a result of the targeted support they receive.

Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities make strong progress. They are exceptionally well supported. Pupils thrive in the school due to its culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

Incidents of bullying are extremely rare. Leaders identify pupils' welfare needs precisely and act promptly. Pupils feel well supported, safe and happy.

Safeguarding is effective. Teachers' high expectations are at the heart of teaching in the school. Pupils are keen, confident and resilient learners.

Their progress is extremely strong, including for the most able. Teachers use highly accurate assessment information to plan challenging activities which meet the needs of all pupils. As a result, pupils enjoy their learning.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very well promoted and supported by a well-thought-out curriculum. The vast majority of pupils behave well and have exemplary attitudes to learning. Low-level disruption in class is rare.

Some boys lack attention to detail in the presentation of their work. Pupils enjoy school and feel they 'belong'. Attendance is high for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.

Teachers receive valuable training to help them to continually improve their practice. All groups of pupils are very well prepared for the next stage of their education and learning. Trustees of the multi-academy trust support and challenge leaders to improve the school further.

New governors are not yet sufficiently experienced to hold leaders to account.

Information about this school

Bluecoat Wollaton Academy is a smaller than average-sized secondary school. Before October 2017, the school was a campus within a larger school.

In October 2017, Bluecoat Wollaton Academy became a separate school in its own right, while retaining the same principal. The school is part of the Archway Learning Trust. The trust is responsible for the school's governance and holds all the legal responsibilities for the school.

The trust has set up an LGB. The proportion of girls attending the school is below average. The minority of pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language are above the national averages. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is well above average.

The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below average. A few pupils attend full-time alternative provision at Archway Learning Trust's unit, 'Aspire'. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics at the end of key stage 4.