A secondary school with sixth form provision on the outskirts of Bristol was described as ‘aspirational’ by Ofsted following an inspection. John Cabot Academy, which includes the CLF Post 16, was inspected on November 5 and 6 and inspectors found that the sixth-form provision was ‘Outstanding’ and every other key judgement was rated as ‘Good’.
The school has 1311 pupils on its school roll, which includes 423 students in the sixth form. The school, on Woodside Road in Kingswood, is part of the Cabot Learning Federation.
CLF shares the same space as JCA and accepts students from a wide variety of schools. Across the entirety of the school, pupils feel a “strong sense of belonging”.
The report said: “Pupils in JCA and students in the post-16 enjoy their time at school and they receive a high-quality education. They feel motivated to succeed. Teachers encourage and support them to do this effectively.
“The school has high expectations of pupils. Lessons are calm and focused, relationships between pupils and staff are warm, pupils are safe and have trusted adults with whom they can share any concerns.”
The curriculum at JCA is ‘ambitious’ and provides pupils with a rich learning experience. The school focuses on the needs of disadvantaged pupils (which includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities [SEND], pupils who are in need of help and protection or those in receipt of funding), ensuring that barriers to learning are removed. Pupils achieve well in GCSEs.
Students in CLF have a “broad and varied” range of subjects available, which have been selected to ensure they are inclusive. Students “thrive”, including those with previous negative experience of education.
The curriculum identifies the key knowledge pupils need to learn and remember and teachers use their expertise to deliver the subject content skilfully. However, checks to identify gaps in pupils’ understanding are sometimes not used effectively.
The report said: “The school is committed to ensuring that pupils are successful, especially those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. Pupils with SEND have their needs accurately identified. For the most part, staff make appropriate adaptations to meet these needs.
“Teachers at JCA and in the post-16 provision identify each pupil’s reading needs. Pupils receive the support they need to improve their reading. However, many pupils do not demonstrate a positive habit of reading for pleasure, which hinders the breadth and richness of pupils’ wider reading experiences.
“The school makes every effort to promote high attendance and challenge absence. The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. Staff apply these expectations consistently and fairly.”
A comprehensive careers programme provides pupils and students with helpful guidance about university and vocational routes. An increasing number of pupils are opting to study a foreign language GCSE.
The report added: “The school and the trust are aspirational for pupils. Staff are supported with their well-being. They say their workload has improved, but some aspects need further adjustment. Leaders are working with staff to improve this.”
“I am delighted for the community”
Principal at John Cabot Academy Kate Willis said: “I am delighted by the Ofsted report which is a wonderful description of our ‘welcoming’ school to which ‘pupils feel a strong sense of belonging’.
“We talk a lot about the vision for JCA: Empowering ourselves and our community by nurturing students as individuals, inspiring them through learning and raising our community. Consequently, I am thrilled that Ofsted have seen much of our vision realised. It means our students are thriving academically; flourishing and growing as young people.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “Both the outcomes achieved by students and the judgement of Ofsted point to John Cabot being an excellent place for children to attend school.
“I am delighted for the community, who have seen their local school successfully transition from having been a City Technology College in the 1990s and early 2000s to a highly successful local comprehensive school, serving the needs of all its learners. Congratulations to our brilliant team for this recognition of their excellent work.”
Principal at CLF Post 16 Kath Cooper said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the ‘Outstanding’ outcome for the CLF Post 16. It is a recognition of the exceptional work of the Post 16 staff over time, every day, embedding a rich, quality and inclusive provision.
“The students in our care contribute to building a strong community ethos of hard work and conscientious attitudes, which drives achievement and establishes aspirational destinations and careers.
“This is an excellent provision and it is wonderful to be judged and valued for the exceptional Post 16 centre we are: successful, unique and bespoke. We aspire to be the number one choice of Post 16 study centre for the students we serve in our community and trust.”