Fulbridge Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils love their school and are profoundly happy. They value the outstanding education they receive.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary, they attend regularly and care for each other. They respond enthusiastically to teachers' high expectations.

Pupils know their teachers are always mindful of their physical and mental well-being. Pupils can seek support from an adult if they ever need help.

Pupils are eager to learn.

They listen attentively and take turns. Pupils are resilient learners. When they make a mistake, they try again.

Pupils share their ideas with confidence. They help their friends to lear...n better. Pupils have highly positive attitudes.

They are open minded and respectful to everyone.

Pupils enjoy a range of extra-curricular opportunities. They play sports, board games, sing, dance, do yoga and take photographs.

All pupils take part in musical performances. They bring to life characters from the books they read. These experiences nurture pupils' artistic skills, cultural knowledge and sporting abilities.

Trips to the theatre, the beach, a safari park and cave systems enhance what pupils learn in class. Pupils are proud of their forest school. They plant trees and pick litter.

Pupils make a considerable contribution to the school and local community.

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

Ambition permeates the school's broad curriculum. Leaders have chosen the knowledge pupils learn carefully.

New knowledge links to what pupils have learned before. For example, children in the Nursery build new language. In Reception, children gain a rich vocabulary to describe the world around them.

Pupils build on this in subsequent years so that, in geography, they can use subject specific language to explain the physical features of the planet. They learn about their place in the world. Pupils begin to embrace the responsibilities they have as global citizens.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They introduce knowledge in small stages. Teachers consistently check for gaps in pupils' knowledge and that pupils understand.

Pupils practise what they have learned before. This helps them remember knowledge well and express sophisticated ideas. In mathematics for example, pupils calculate at speed and reason clearly.

In groups and independently pupils use their mathematical knowledge to solve complex problems.

Leaders ensure learning to read is a priority. Children in Reception quickly learn to blend sounds.

They read words and sentences with ease. Teachers meticulously check how well pupils read and write. Any pupils who fall behind receive immediate help so they catch up.

Pupils are expressive readers. They are keen to retell and dramatise stories. Many pupils achieve better in national tests than other children nationally.

As many pupils' first language is not English, this is exceptional. Pupils' knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar is strong. However, some outcomes in writing were lower than expected in 2023.

In response, leaders refined how writing is taught. Pupils now write at length in a variety of styles. They use interesting vocabulary.

They apply grammar accurately to edit their work.

The school caters exceptionally well for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders adopt innovative approaches to ensure that the support pupils with SEND receive is precise and effective.

Pupils with SEND achieve well.Other pupils look out for their friends with SEND. They are patient and kind.

Pupils' knowledge of world religions and cultures is strong. They celebrate difference. They focus not on what divides them but on what unites them.

This ensures a highly inclusive ethos in this diverse community. The stories pupils read help them to understand the reasons for world events. They learn about the holocaust and the plight of refugees.

Pupils raise money for local charities and support food banks. They develop empathy and are compassionate.

Pupils have opportunities to hone important leadership skills.

Pupils vote for 'Future Leaders' who represent their views. They also visit the Houses of Parliament and interview their local MP. Pupils understand they have a voice.

They know how to use it in a democratic society.

Leaders, the trust and governors accurately review how all areas of school life are performing. Staff find leaders supportive.

The training leaders provide enables teachers to be at their very best. The school works well with parents and the community. This has been essential in realising the school's outstanding ambition for pupils' lives.

Pupils have high aspirations for the future. They gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to achieve them.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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