Bedminster Down School offers its students a good quality of education and opportunities, according to its latest Ofsted report.
A team of four inspectors visited the Futura Learning Partnership secondary for two days in February and concluded that the 1,033 students, aged 11 to 16, were encouraged to be aspirational for their future.
“Staff encourage pupils to ‘have belief and be determined,” their report said.
Ofsted noted that exam results, although below expectations, were improving and said: “Current pupils in the school receive a good quality of education. They are well prepared for their next steps.
“Most pupils are happy at school. They develop positive relationships with staff. In many lessons, pupils listen attentively and concentrate on their learning.”
The inspectors said the school’s curriculum was broad and ambitious and they praised the support for students with special educational needs and disabilities and for those who were struggling with reading.
As well as the rating of good for the key category of quality of education, the school’s provision for students’ personal development received the same grade.
Ofsted said: “Pupils are positive about the range of extra-curricular opportunities available to them. These include skateboarding, indoor bowls, gardening and cheerleading. Pupils can develop their sense of responsibility and leadership skills as members of the school council. They are proud of the changes that they have made to the school. These include upgrades to facilities and organising games for use in social times.”
The report went on to say: “The school understands the challenges that pupils may face within the community. It adapts the curriculum to further educate pupils around these issues. For example, pupils are taught about online safety and knife crime. Pupils and staff work together on the school’s ‘respect charter’. This promotes the importance of tolerance and prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain.”
The inspectors noted that low-level disruption in classrooms was dealt with well and that high visibility of staff ensured students felt safe. Safeguarding was judged to be effective. Ofsted also acknowledged that behaviour at lunchtimes had improved following changes made and that incidents of bullying had reduced.
However, they said that other poor behaviour continued.
“During social times, some pupils repeatedly display poor behaviour that is disruptive to school life,” the report said.
Low attendance rates were also a concern: “A high number of pupils do not attend school regularly. As a result, they develop gaps in their knowledge and fall behind their peers. The school and trust have put a range of strategies in place to improve attendance. However, overall, absences remain too high.”
Behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management at BDS were both judged by Ofsted to require improvement.
The report said: “The school has taken steps to implement improvements, but it recognises the need to go further. The trust provides appropriate support and challenge. Staff are positive about working at the school.”
Headteacher Louise Davies said: “I am pleased that Ofsted recognised the strengths of our school and highlighted the pride and positivity of our staff and students. The inspectors noted the improvements we are making, and their recommendations will help us make further progress.
“I will work with staff, colleagues from Futura and our governors to ensure that Bedminster Down goes from strength to strength in the years to come. We are determined in our belief that all our students will have the opportunity to succeed.”
Gary Schlick, Chief Executive Officer of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “I am pleased Ofsted has recognised that BDS, with the support of the trust, is providing a good quality of education to pupils
“This report gives us confidence that the improvements we have already seen will continue. We are grateful for the support of our school community and urge all families to work with us for the benefit of their young people.”
