Robert Bloomfield Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Leadership is outstanding.

The Principal and the strong team of senior leaders have high expectations of both teaching and students' achievement this has allowed them to create a vibrant and very successful academy. Teaching is consistently good and often outstanding, enabling most students to achieve exceptionally well and exceed expected progress. High aspiration is embedded across the academy.

Work is suitably challenging and students are expected to write at length in all subjects. Students' books show that they respond well to the high level of challenge provided. Their work is well presented and of a high quality.

...Students have a thirst for knowledge and approach learning with real enthusiasm. Disabled students and those with special educational needs are well supported with additional help to improve their reading and understanding, allowing them to catch up with their learning. Behaviour and safety are outstanding.

Students feel safe, free from bullying and enjoy their time at the academy. They are polite and courteous, work hard and are proud of their school. The academy offers its students an exciting range of subjects and enrichment choices, giving all students the opportunity to extend their education and to experience success.

The Trust and governors provide very effective strategic support for the academy's leadership and make sure the academy has the resources it needs for it to continue to improve.

Information about this school

Robert Bloomfield converted to become an academy school in May 2011. When its predecessor school Robert Bloomfield Middle School was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding.

The school is a larger than average middle school. The academy has a largely white British intake whose students have English as their first language. The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for children in the care of the local authority and for students known to be eligible for free school meals, is below the national average.

A small proportion of Year 7 students are eligible for 'catch up' funding. The number of students requiring extra help at school action and school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below the national average. The academy is a specialist Engineering and Languages Academy.

The academy is part of the Bedfordshire East Multi-Academies Trust and a National Teaching School. The Principal of the academy is a National Leader of Education and the academy offers support to other local schools. The academy meets the government's floor targets for Key Stage 2, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress.

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