Futures Institute Banbury

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Space Studio Banbury provides a rare opportunity for its pupils to thrive in a school matched to their particular interests. Leaders have created a unique environment where 'difference is normal'. Pupils excel in mathematics and science subjects, aided by well-qualified subject experts and enthusiasts.

The few disadvantaged pupils do as well as other pupils in the narrow range of subjects offered, and many do even better than their peers. Girls, even though there are many more boys, attain high standards at Space Studio Banbury, with some going on to skilled apprenticeships or prestigious degree courses. Space Studio Banbury prepares pupils well f...or employment, through a focused programme of skills development.

Leaders have forged successful partnerships with relevant industries. Pupils work collaboratively on actual commercial or industrial projects. Pupils cooperate with each other and staff very well.

Their behaviour is good. They respect each other's right to learn and, therefore, take care not to disrupt lessons. Vulnerable pupils are catered for well.

Pupils like the nurturing environment which enables them to express themselves freely. The Aspirations Academies Trust (AAT) ensures that the school has all the resources it needs and holds local leaders to account robustly for the quality of the provision and outcomes. The trust also ensures that the school's work remains truly aspirational.

Trust leaders remind staff regularly of the importance of AAT's eight conditions of learning. Some of the most able pupils do not attain the very high levels of which they are capable. A few pupils' and students' weak attendance is improving due to leaders' effective action.

A minority of parents remain concerned that leaders do not communicate effectively and do not respond in a timely enough manner to reasonable requests for information.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish.

Space Studio Banbury is a much smaller-than-average school. The number of pupils on roll has declined recently. Girls comprise just a quarter of the school's population.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average. About half the pupils are from White British backgrounds. A few speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average. Pupils come from households with below-average levels of deprivation. Space Studio Banbury is on the same campus as Banbury Academy.

The executive principal of Banbury Academy is also executive principal of Space Studio Banbury. Space Studio Banbury is part of the Aspirations Academies Trust. The school meets the government's current floor standards.

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