Bredon Hill Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are proud and happy to be a part of this nurturing school. They embrace the school values and high expectations. They behave impeccably and are rewarded through many initiatives.

Pupils value recognition for their efforts. The school has high ambition for its pupils and most pupils achieve well. However, some pupils do not attain as well as they could in Key Stage 2 external assessments, in particular pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged.

The school prides itself on the excellent relationships between pupils and staff. Staff know their pupils well and pupils know who to talk to if they have any concern...s. 'The hub' is an accessible space for any pupil who requires nurture.

They are able to use this for short bursts throughout the day where they are given the encouragement they require. This helps pupils develop independence and resilience. One pupil summed up the views of many about this provision beautifully when they said, 'The staff are always there for us.'



Clubs and visits play a large part of school life. The school responds actively to pupils wishes, for example introducing new clubs, such as 'fossil club', which is a favourite among many. The school enhances pupils' classroom experiences with trips to the castle, theatre and residential stays.

School prefects support the well-being of their peers and have helped to improve facilities across the school. All of this helps pupils to foster an active role in the school community.

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

The school has been through a period of change of late.

For example, it has recently joined the trust, which has helped to uphold their high expectations. Leaders from the trust and school work together effectively. They have identified precisely the strengths and weaknesses of the school and have clear plans to improve provision further.

For example, they recognise the curriculum has many strengths, but that some pupils, including those with SEND and who are disadvantaged could achieve more. Trust and school leaders have established positive relationships with staff, who feel highly regarded and appreciate the priority given to their well-being. Similarly, the school has engaged effectively with parents and carers, most of whom speak positively about the school.

Pupils study a broad range of subjects. The curriculum is ambitious and well sequenced. It takes into account pupils' prior learning and what pupils need to learn in the future.

Teachers use a range of strategies to engage pupils, and most are effective. Teachers identify and revisit learning frequently. This repetition helps most pupils remember key knowledge well and they subsequently build on knowledge over time.

However, there are times where staff do not use the school's approaches to teaching consistently well. When this happens, some pupils take longer to learn new concepts, because activities do not help them build on what they have learned before, particularly in mathematics.

The school works with families, staff and external agencies to ensure that pupils with SEND have their needs identified swiftly.

The 'pupil passports' identify techniques to help engage pupils precisely. As a result, pupils with SEND access the learning well.The school ensures that reading is prioritised, including by giving pupils ample opportunities to read throughout the day.

Those who are still learning to sound out words, or at risk of falling behind, have their needs identified swiftly. They then are provided with useful, targeted support to catch up.

The atmosphere throughout the school is exceptionally calm and purposeful.

Pupils engage extremely well in lessons and respect each other's views deeply. During social times, pupils of all ages play together beautifully, and older pupils look out for their younger peers diligently. Pupils are happy at school, and this is reflected in their very regular attendance.

Personal, social and health education is embedded deeply throughout the curriculum. Pupils learn in great detail about topics such as how to stay safe online and offline, healthy relationships and the importance of eating well. Pupils explore future aspirations through the extensive careers programme and by visiting apprenticeship providers.

Pupils understand the importance of being kind and they host many fundraisers for charities close to their hearts. All of this helps pupils to be exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• Sometimes the activities that teachers ask pupils to do are not built precisely on what pupils already know and can do. This means pupils do not retain new knowledge well enough over time, particularly in mathematics. The school should ensure staff provide precise activities that build on pupils' prior knowledge consistently, so that pupils, including those with SEND, and who are disadvantaged, achieve even better.

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