• ‘No evidence’ of political bias at school which postponed MP visit, says Ofsted
• School leaders show ‘profound commitment to inclusive learning environment’
• Staff tell inspectors of ‘harmonious and religiously tolerant atmosphere’

Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell is a school with fundamental British values at its heart and a deep commitment to inclusivity, according to Ofsted inspectors who visited the school last week.

The inspection team visited Bristol Brunel to assess its safeguarding, leadership and governance, curriculum and teaching, and the personal development and wellbeing of students, following the postponement of an MP’s visit amid concerns over safety and disruption.

Inspectors spent two days assessing the school, examining policy, culture and curriculum, and hearing the views of 135 staff and 143 parents – all of which were ‘overwhelmingly positive’ about Bristol Brunel.

Ofsted’s evidence showed there is no partisan political behaviour within the school, and instead its leadership works to create and maintain a positive culture of tolerance and inclusivity.

In their report, the inspectors wrote:  “Inspectors’ evidence shows that leaders and trustees demonstrate a profound commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment that promotes tolerance and respect for the diversity of modern Britain.

“The values of high expectations, equity of opportunity, championing all pupils, building resilience and togetherness are the underpinning principles of the school’s work.”

The report went on to praise Bristol Brunel in each of the areas assessed.

On personal development and wellbeing, the inspectors said: “Bristol Brunel Academy is a diverse and inclusive community school where pupils are tolerant and respectful of each other as they learn and socialise together. Pupils and staff proudly celebrate this diversity as well as being proudly British.

“Pupils are welcomed warmly into the school, from a range of backgrounds, cultures and religions. No discrimination is tolerated; this was evidenced in discussions with pupils and staff and in their responses to Ofsted’s confidential surveys.

“Pupils are taught to respect and embrace diversity and demonstrate this in their daily interactions with each other, and staff. Pupils feel part of a united, school family.”

On leadership and governance, the report said: “Leaders at this school ensure political impartiality in the curriculum and teaching.

“Staff, including those from minority groups, spoke of the harmonious and religiously tolerant atmosphere in the school. Inspectors heard that staff were proud of the inclusive nature of the school towards pupils.

“This school has a comprehensive and carefully considered strategy for promoting and celebrating fundamental British Values. Staff and pupils have a deep understanding of fundamental British Values, the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion and embrace each of these values day-to-day.”

On curriculum and teaching, Ofsted said: “Leaders ensure that the trust’s shared curriculum is suitably ambitious, broad and balanced. Inspectors found no evidence of partisan political views.

“Staff do not shy away from dealing with contentious issues, but do so in a balanced and accurate way, discussing different perspectives and viewpoints. Pupils in turn, respond to such debates with maturity and respect.”

On safeguarding, Ofsted said: “The safeguarding standards are met. This means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe.”

Broadoak Academy in Weston-super-Mare welcome a new Principal this week – and Ian Walsh takes on the role with a stated ambition of ‘empowering young people to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential’.

Ian Walsh has taken over from Danny McGilloway, who left Broadoak in September, with Lis Jolley – an Executive Principal within Broadoak’s parent trust Cabot Learning Federation – leading the school on an interim basis since then.

However Ian – who grew up in nearby Burnham-on-Sea – took the reins on Monday.

After completing his teacher training in London, Ian spent 15 years working with and supporting vibrant, diverse communities in Peckham and Croydon.

Four and a half years ago, he returned to the South West to be closer to family and has since worked in Bristol, including in Shirehampton and Knowle West.

Ian has spent seven years as a Deputy Principal across three different schools, leading both academic and pastoral areas. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to narrowing the disadvantage gap, ensuring every young person — regardless of background — has the opportunity to thrive.

He is excited to take up his first headship at Broadoak, serving a community close to where he grew up.

Ian Walsh, Principal at Broadoak Academy, said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Broadoak Academy as Principal. I grew up in Burnham-on-Sea and spent a lot of my youth in Weston, so I have many fond memories of the area. It feels very special to be given the opportunity to give back to this community.

“Throughout my career, I’ve worked in communities facing significant disadvantage. These experiences have shaped my passion for supporting those most in need and empowering young people to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential.

“I believe schools should be places of ambition, belonging, and joy. My vision for Broadoak is to build on its strong foundations and ensure every child gains the knowledge, skills, and qualifications that open doors to a life of choice and opportunity. Equally, I want our staff to feel empowered, trusted, and proud of the work we do together.

“I look forward to working to make Broadoak an exceptional place for learning and growth – a true hub within the community.”

 Lis Jolley, Executive Principal within the Cabot Learning Federation, said:

“Ian has enjoyed a thorough and fruitful induction at Broadoak over the past two weeks, during which time he has met key people within the school community and immersed himself in school culture.

“We know we have made the right choice in appointing Ian to lead Broadoak forward, and we are confident he will enjoy great success leading such a supportive community of staff, students and families.”

CLF Communications Manager Dean Blake was recently invited to the BBC newsroom on Whiteladies Road for a networking visit hosted by Matthew Pick, BBC West senior journalist team manager.

Having worked with the BBC for more than 25 years on a wide range of proactive and reactive stories, Dean met with BBC colleagues who have become trusted professional contacts and, in some cases, long-standing friends.

The visit also provided an opportunity to finally meet in person journalists and editors with whom Dean has previously only communicated by phone or email.

The visit began with a meeting with the BBC West online team, where discussions focused on regional news coverage and how it differs from working with national reporters.

Dean then met with the BBC Points West team, including reporters he has previously collaborated with, as well as sub-editors he had exchanged emails with but never met face-to-face.

This part of the visit proved particularly productive, with early discussions around potential collaboration on two news stories with the Points West team. Watch this space.

Further meetings followed with the BBC Local Politics team before the visit concluded with time spent with colleagues from BBC Radio Bristol, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new contacts.

Dean Blake said: “Building and maintaining close professional relationships with the media is incredibly important.

“Visits like these help strengthen trust, improve understanding, and ensure positive and effective working relationships.

“It was great to reconnect with familiar contacts, meet new colleagues, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.”

Year 8 and Year 9 students from Winterstoke Hundred Academy recently visited Brimsham Green School in Yate to take part in an Anti-Bullying Diana Award Workshop.

The workshop was delivered as part of the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme, a youth-led, peer-to-peer initiative for UK schools.

The programme trains students to become Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, empowering them to challenge bullying behaviour, promote kindness, and help create safer, more inclusive school communities.

Participating schools receive free resources and support through a structured year-long programme designed to embed sustainable change.

The visit marks the beginning of Winterstoke Hundred Academy’s year-long journey towards achieving a Diana Award in recognition of its commitment to anti-bullying work and positive school culture.

Annie Massey, Vice Principal of Winterstoke Hundred Academy, said: “This workshop is an important first step in empowering our students to take an active role in tackling bullying.

“By working alongside the Diana Award and learning from peers, our students are developing the confidence, leadership skills and sense of responsibility needed to make a real difference within our school community.”

The academy looks forward to continuing its work with the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme and supporting students as they lead positive change throughout the year.

Learners at Wallscourt Farm Academy had an incredibly exciting start to a 10-week musical adventure as Year 3 pupils began their brass lessons with the fantastic support of the Bristol Beacon.

The first session kicked off with an inspiring demonstration from a visiting musician, who showed learners just how powerful and magical brass instruments can sound.

Learners were instantly captivated as they listened and discovered the range of sounds each instrument could produce.

After learning the basics of how to create a clear note and sharing plenty of giggles as they practised their first buzzes, learners had the opportunity to try out cornets, trombones, French horns and euphoniums.

The classroom was bursting with curiosity, concentration and those first proud blasts of real brass music.

This programme promises to be a brilliant journey, helping learners build confidence, teamwork and musical skills week by week. Staff and pupils alike are looking forward to hearing how the childrens musical abilities develop over the coming weeks.

Jamie Williams, class teacher, said: “The children were absolutely buzzing after their first brass session.

“It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, resilience and excitement as they tried something completely new.

“We’re so grateful for the support from Bristol Beacon and can’t wait to see how the pupils’ skills and confidence grow over the course of the project.”

Watch this space there’s lots more music to come.

Pupils at Waycroft Academy were thrilled to welcome former professional basketball player Daniel Edozie during a special assembly.

Daniel, who previously played for the Bristol Flyers, spoke openly about his life as a basketball player and shared powerful messages about the importance of staying positive, embracing challenges, and never giving up.

He also highlighted key values such as teamwork, dedication, and resilience, encouraging pupils to apply these lessons both in and out of school.

The assembly sparked lots of enthusiasm, with pupils asking thoughtful and insightful questions. Daniel kindly stayed after the session to sign autographs, chat with pupils, and even treated them to an impressive slam dunk, which was met with huge applause.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “Daniel’s visit was incredibly inspiring for our pupils.

“His positive message about perseverance, teamwork and believing in yourself really resonated with them. It was a fantastic opportunity for our children to learn from someone who has worked hard to achieve their goals, and they will be talking about it for a long time to come.”