The Beacon School Inspection Report July 2022
The report of our school’s Ofsted inspection in June 2022 is now published.
The report recognised that the curriculum at our school is improving, and plans are in place to increase the number of students taking the English Baccalaureate with teachers building knowledge over time to make sure pupils retain the information.
The inspectors said that personal development at the school was good, with the report stating “Pupils’ personal development is given a high priority by the school. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. They learn about different career options. There is a varied range of enrichment opportunities. Leaders endeavour to make sure all pupils participate”.
The inspection team also highlighted the effective careers programme at our school which leads to most students going on to university or apprenticeships after sixth form.
There was also praise by inspectors for steps taken around the key area of Safeguarding with the report remarking on the ‘rigorous’ oversight of the arrangements: “Staff receive regular training and updates. The new designated safeguarding lead ensures that training needs are responded to quickly. Supported by the trust’s human resources team, safer recruitment practices and procedures are appropriate. Trustees and members of the school’s strategic board are knowledgeable and understand their roles and responsibilities.”
An overall grade of Inadequate was given, which reflected problems with some elements of pupil behaviour. Families will be aware that from the start of this academic year, there have been key changes bringing further capacity to the Senior Leadership Team at the school and a number of our systems for addressing the issues raised in the inspection have been strengthened further. All staff are committed to their consistent application, and with these we will continue to improve the curriculum and increase ambition.
The inspectors recognised that “Trust leaders and trustees understand the challenges facing the school and understand the priorities. They are providing significant help to senior leaders. This help is contributing to improvements”.
Executive Headteacher, Matt Duffield, said: “Whilst we were gratified that the inspection team identified some important strengths in the overall provision for students in the school, we nonetheless recognise their view that there are very important areas that require rapid improvement.
“Each member of staff at the school is committed to supporting every child in our care, and to ensuring that their curriculum, learning experiences and pastoral care ensures that students are safe, happy, make excellent academic progress and are able to confidently access the next steps in their educational journey.
“But the school accepts wholeheartedly that at the time of the inspection, the behaviour of a significant minority of our students could only be described as unacceptable, and this is something that the school leadership and all staff are resolute in their determination to eliminate.
“The school remains committed to working in partnership with families. We remain hugely grateful for the support of our parents and carers, as this is a vital component in our efforts to secure the rapid improvements that we know all of our students must see. This is a school with enormous potential of which many in our community are rightly proud, and all staff are determined to ensure that we once again become the centre of excellence that this community expects.”
If you are interested in meeting the new leadership team to hear about how improvements are being made, and the plans which are in place, please contact info@thebeaconschool.co.uk to make an appointment, or join us at our Open Evening on 29 September at 6pm.
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The Beacon School Inspection Report July 2022
Ofsted-Report-2022-Frequently-Asked-Questions
