A culture of ‘mutual trust’ and pupils who exemplify school values of ‘respect, kindness, perseverance and honesty’ have seen The Redstart Primary School maintain the standards which earned it a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, according to inspectors.

A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing the Chard school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its parent trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.

Although the visit was an ungraded inspection, Ofsted concluded Redstart has ‘taken effective action’ to maintain the standards which earned the school a ‘Good’ rating previously.

Inspectors heaped praise upon the school’s ‘high expectations’ and ‘ambitious curriculum’, as well as the positive behaviour of students and the ‘strong’ opportunities for personal development.

In his report, lead inspector James Gentile said: “The Redstart Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.

“Pupils across the school consistently exemplify the values of the ‘Redstart way’: respect, kindness, perseverance and honesty.

“Pupils behave well and have a strong commitment to learning. The high expectations set by school leaders and staff are embraced by pupils, who respond positively and achieve well.”

The report went on to praise Redstart’s provision in a number of key areas.

On pupils’ wellbeing, Ofsted said: “Relationships between pupils and staff are characterised by mutual trust and respect. Pupils report that they feel confident in seeking support from the safeguarding team. They also use the worry boxes in classrooms if they have any concerns. Pupils are assured that their worries will be taken seriously by staff.”

On curriculum and learning, it said: “The school offers an ambitious curriculum that is well structured, enabling pupils to learn skills and build knowledge progressively.

“School leaders are reflective and consistently seek ways to enhance the curriculum design. Staff possess strong subject knowledge. This ensures that the delivery of the curriculum aligns with the high expectations set by leaders. As a result, pupils achieve well.”

On SEND provision, the report said: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the same highquality curriculum as their peers.

“Highly-trained staff support pupils with SEND and identify their specific needs. Additionally, the school collaborates well with external agencies when specialist support is required. Consequently, pupils with SEND receive strong support and achieve well.”

And on pupil development, it said: “The provision for pupils’ personal development is a strength of the school. Pupils have a wealth of opportunities to build confidence and character. For example, all Year 6 pupils take on roles of responsibility such as house captains, librarians or science ambassadors.

“Older pupils know they are role models to younger peers. They take these roles seriously and proudly support younger pupils.”

Inspectors offered further praise for Redstart’s ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘positive and mutually respectful relationships’ which ensure behaviour and attendance are good, and the ‘enriching experiences’ Redstart provides through its strong community links.

Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at The Redstart Primary School, and its parent trust The Cabot Learning Federation.

Rebecca Collins, Principal at The Redstart Primary School, said:

“I am so proud of the work my team have put in to ensure that Redstart remains a great place to both work and learn. The energy and commitment invested by the staff at Redstart to ensure our children are well supported and successful every day is wonderful and I am delighted to be a part of this fabulous team.”

Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:

“Everyone in the Cabot Learning Federation is delighted with the news that inspectors confirmed Redstart continues to offer such a strong educational provision to children in Chard. Congratulations to Rebecca Collins and all of our colleagues at the school; a great team doing their best to serve the local community.”

Pupils and staff from Lansdown Park Academy recently took part in an unforgettable trip to an outdoor dry ski slope – a first-time experience for many pupils.

The trip was generously funded by the Ellis Genge Fund, which was established by the Bristol Bears and England International prop and which has pledged to support opportunities for young people at the school.

The fund is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for children in sport, while providing vital support, resources, and hope for the next generation of Bristolians.

The exciting day out gave pupils the chance to experience activities such as sledging, skiing and snowboarding, building their confidence, teamwork, and enthusiasm for physical activity.

A spokesperson for Lansdown Park Academy said: “This was an amazing opportunity for our pupils, many of whom had never experienced anything like this before.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Ellis Genge for the continued support and commitment to breaking down barriers in sport.

“The smiles on our pupils faces said it all – it was a day they will never forget.”

Bristol Metropolitan Academy (BMA) has been recognised as one of the top-performing schools in the city, based on the latest Progress 8 data from the UK government.

Progress 8 is a key performance measure used by the UK Department for Education. It captures the progress students make from the end of primary school (Key Stage 2) to the end of secondary school (Key Stage 4).

The measure compares students’ actual GCSE outcomes with the outcomes predicted based on their prior academic achievement, providing a fair and robust assessment of the value schools add to each student’s education.

BMA achieved an impressive Progress 8 score of 0.54, placing it well above average and highlighting the academy’s strong track record in helping students make exceptional progress during their secondary education.

Kris Bridgeman, Principal of Bristol Metropolitan Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of this result, which reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and wider school community.

“A Progress 8 score of 0.54 shows that our students are not just meeting expectations but exceeding them.

“This achievement is a testament to our commitment to providing an inclusive, high-quality education that supports every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Picture: Jack Boskett Media.

‘Significant improvements’ and ‘raised expectations’ at Tewkesbury Academy have seen the school earn a rating of ‘Good’ in all areas from education watchdog Ofsted.

A team of Ofsted inspectors spent two days assessing the school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.

At the end of their analysis, inspectors concluded the school – which has undergone significant leadership changes since its last inspection, including a move to join the Cabot Learning Federation – is now rated as ‘Good’ for its leadership, behaviour, pupil development, sixth form provision and quality of education.

In her report, lead inspector Sara Berry said: “Tewkesbury Academy, with the support of the trust, has made significant improvements to the school. These changes are valued by many of the pupils, parents and carers and staff.

“Networks of support and challenge have enabled the school to make rapid improvements to the standard of education it provides.

“There is a clear drive from the school to continue the school improvement work that has been undertaken. The whole-school community is keen to be part of this ongoing work to benefit pupils.”

Inspectors went on to highlight the work done by school leaders to improve both the school’s provision and its impact and outcomes for students.

On student wellbeing, the report said: “Leaders have ensured the school is safe and that pupils have trusted adults to help them with any concerns that they may have. The school is clear that bullying is not tolerated. It provides pupils with routes to report concerns so that these can be addressed.”

On curriculum, it said: “The school has adopted and adapted the trust curriculum. This is bespoke and tailored to the needs of pupils at this school. For example, pupils learn about the rich local history of Tewkesbury. Pupils study a broad range of subjects at each key stage.”

On SEND provision, Ofsted said: “The school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers are provided with the information they need to adapt the curriculum effectively. Where these adaptations are provided, pupils with SEND learn as well as their peers.”

On attendance, inspectors said: “Attendance is a key priority for the school. The school closely tracks absence, identifying and addressing any barriers for individual pupils. This work is having a positive impact. Persistent absence has reduced and there are sustained increases in attendance. The school has the capacity and determination to continue this work to ensure the attendance of all pupils continues to rise.”

And on student outcomes, Ofsted said: “The school is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well. Pupils are increasingly successful in achieving qualifications. They receive the help and guidance they need to choose between future education, employment and training options that are appropriate for their ambitions. This means that most pupils and sixth-form students move successfully on to their next steps.”

Additionally, the report praises Tewkesbury for its ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘sense of belonging’ created by personal development opportunities, and the pride instilled in pupils through representing the school in sport and the arts.

They also noted careers-related activities which help to raise student aspirations, the ‘importance’ placed on reading standards, and pupils’ understanding of ‘tolerance and respect’ gained through lessons in British values.

Leaders within both Tewkesbury Academy and the Cabot Learning Federation have welcomed Ofsted’s findings.

Kathleen McGillycuddy, Principal at Tewkesbury Academy, said:

“We are very proud of our school and of our community. Tewkesbury is a great place to grow up and Tewkesbury Academy is a great place to go to school.

“This report reflects the work we are doing to give all our young people the very best we can and it has given us the determination to keep going.

“This is an important moment for our community and I’m really pleased for all my colleagues and all our pupils.”

Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:

“This is an excellent outcome following a period of sustained school improvement since the last inspection.

“Well done to the team at Tewkesbury Academy, which has worked tirelessly, and thanks to the community of parents, carers, and governors who have stuck by the school and supported it throughout.”

Reception pupils at Herons’ Moor Academy were brimming with excitement as they welcomed newly-hatched chicks into their classroom.

The young learners have fully immersed themselves in the role of scientists, observing and caring for the chicks as part of a hands-on exploration of the life cycle.

This unique opportunity allows pupils to experience nature up close, learning through nurturing.

Pupils are involved in every aspect of chick care: ensuring they have clean, dry bedding, maintaining the correct temperature, and providing fresh food and water.

It’s a powerful lesson in responsibility, empathy, and the science of life.

Georgie Tinker, Principal of Herons’ Moor Academy, said: “Watching our pupils engage so thoughtfully and enthusiastically with the chicks has been heartwarming.

“They’re not just learning – they’re living the lesson. This is what hands-on education is all about.”

Natasha Williams, Vice Principal of Bristol Metropolitan Academy (BMA), recently spoke at the Black & Brown Minds Matter event hosted by Barnardo’s at the University of the West of England.

The event welcomed around 200 professionals from the education and health sectors, all united in their commitment to tackling mental health inequalities, prejudice, and discrimination affecting young people from differing communities.

A highlight of the event was the premiere of “What’s the Taboo for You?”—a powerful film created by Barnardo’s Black and Brown Minds Matter group. The film explores the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health in racialised communities and aims to break generational cycles of silence and misunderstanding.

Natasha Williams was invited to speak at the event, representing both Bristol Metropolitan Academy and the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), recognising their involvement and support of the project.

Her presence also provided an opportunity to engage with CEOs, directors, and healthcare professionals from across the region to explore collaborative ways to strengthen partnerships between education, health, and other key services.

Natasha said: “It was an honour to be part of such a powerful and necessary event.

“The film ‘What’s the Taboo for You?’ will be an invaluable resource for schools. It opens up honest conversations about mental health and cultural stigma – conversations that are long overdue.”