Broadclyst Community Primary School retains its Ofsted Outstanding status
Broadclyst Community Primary School (BCPS) has been awarded Outstanding status in all areas.
The school has held the status since 2008, under previous inspection regimes, and has now retained the award, in spite of a more rigorous, new Ofsted framework, in which approximately only 3% of schools nationally achieve the outstanding judgement. Moreover, the news follows the announcement that only 20% of previously outstanding schools have been able to retain the award since the current approach began.
The founding school of the Cornerstone Academy Trust, BCPS has a national and international reputation for its innovative curriculum delivery. It provides opportunities to meet the needs of every child and it offers a challenging learning environment that inspires children to achieve high standards and become lifelong independent learners. The Trust ethos is fully inclusive with unlimited aspirations for all pupils. In the Ofsted report, to be published on 30 November, inspectors noted that: "Leaders’ focus on ensuring that every pupil receives an outstanding education is relentless. Their high expectations and aspirations for pupils ensure that they excel in all areas of the curriculum.”
In terms of the curriculum, they stated that: "Leaders have constructed an exceptional curriculum. From Nursery to key stage 2, pupils are enthused by their learning. The curriculum enables pupils to learn complex concepts progressively. Teachers plan exciting learning, enriched by digital technology. Learning is adapted so that all pupils learn the curriculum well, with appropriate support provided where required. This ensures that all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn successfully." The school’s reputation for the innovative use of digital technologies was also highlighted. It ensures the smooth, personalised delivery of the curriculum.
With regard to children's behaviour, they said: “Pupils, in all year groups, behave exceptionally well. They are highly engaged, enthusiastic learners. Pupils state that bullying is very rare and that, if it occurs, staff resolve it immediately. Pupils’ emotional well-being is a priority. Pupils feel safe and very well cared for.”
They were also impressed with the safeguarding measures in place: “Leaders are vigilant about the physical and emotional safety of pupils. Staff receive robust training so that they can recognise potential risks to pupils. Staff record any concerns in a timely manner so that pupils and families receive the help required… The curriculum helps pupils to know how to keep themselves safe. They learn about online safety and the importance of keeping physically healthy.”
Jonathan Bishop, Cornerstone Academy Trust’s CEO and Executive Headteacher, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of teachers and support staff and awarded the school ‘outstanding’ again. All our schools function on a trust-wide basis, with the curriculum and events planned and implemented across all four of them, so this is great news for the whole Trust.”
To find out more, visit tcat.education, where you will be able to view a recording of a recent virtual open event.
