‘Robust’ safeguarding measures and ‘knowledgeable and well-trained staff’ are helping students form ‘positive relationships’ at rapidly-improving Monkton Wood Academy, according to Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited the Taunton academy in May to scrutinise students’ behaviour and assess the school’s safeguarding practices.

Though the school is not due to have its next full inspection for at least another year, he Ofsted team ruled that Monkton Wood has shown a big improvement in these areas since its previous inspection, noting that suspensions and exclusions for poor behaviour have reduced and student attendance has increased.

In his judgement letter, Lead inspector Matthew Haynes said: “Leaders and those responsible for governance have taken effective action to improve behaviour and secure consistently positive attitudes to learning. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

On behaviour and attitudes within the school, he wrote: “Since the school opened as an academy in December 2023, leaders have rightly prioritised improving pupils’ behaviour. Staff and pupils are clear about expectations in lessons and at other times of the school day. Lessons are typically calm and there is little low-level disruption. Students in the sixth form act maturely and work together in productive, constructive ways

“The majority of pupils form positive relationships with each other. They socialise well together and develop strong friendships. Bullying is not tolerated and is dealt with when it occurs.

“Pupils and staff rightly recognise the improvements in behaviour at the school. The school’s use of suspensions and exclusions to tackle poor behaviour has reduced. Rewards for good behaviour and effort are increasingly valued by pupils. Pupils’ rates of attendance are rising overall because of the school’s effective actions.”

On safeguarding, he wrote: “Safeguarding processes are robust and well managed. The records that the school keeps are comprehensive. Knowledgeable and well-trained staff refer concerns appropriately and leaders follow these up rigorously. Pupils receive the care and support that they need.

“Leaders prioritise safeguarding and have established an open and vigilant culture. Staff have a strong understanding of the signs of potential risks, including those more specifically relevant to the school.”

Inspectors also acknowledged the additional support Monkton Wood’s leaders have received from the school’s parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) to drive up standards.

Mr Haynes continued: “The trust has helped to establish ambitious expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attendance, including developing the policies and processes to underpin these. Trust officers contribute important support for leadership in the school, provide training for staff and regularly monitor the school’s progress. This includes support in vital areas such as safeguarding.

“The trust has helped the school to stabilise staffing, recruiting new staff and leaders. The school benefits from accessing expertise in other schools in the trust.

“Trustees and members of the local academy council keep close oversight over both behaviour and safeguarding in the school. They have an accurate understanding of the school’s priorities and progress. They are realistic about what the school has achieved so far and what needs to improve further. This means the trust provides the right support and challenge for the school’s leaders.”

Ofsted’s judgement has been welcomed by leaders at Monkton Wood and the CLF, who say they will continue to work hard to ensure further school improvements follow.

Hannah Jones, Principal at Monkton Wood Academy, said:

“We are pleased that the inspection team has recognised the impact of the Monkton Wood team’s work on behaviour and attitudes at the school. I am incredibly proud of our students and of the staff who support them so well.”

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

“It’s great for the whole school community to be able to read that our school is making such strong progress since becoming part of the trust last year – I’m delighted for the team that they have received this recognition for all their hard work. Well done to all staff and students.“

Year Two pupils from Redstart Primary School enjoyed a wonderful day of sunshine, sea air, and discovery during a recent visit to Lyme Regis, West Dorset – a stunning part of England’s Jurassic Coast.

Pupils explored the famous shingle beach, soaking up the fresh seaside air while enjoying packed lunches with spectacular sea views.

The day was filled with excitement and learning as pupils delved into the story of Mary Anning, the pioneering 19th-century palaeontologist and fossil collector who once walked the same shoreline in search of ancient treasures.

The visit offered pupils a hands-on glimpse into Britain’s rich geological history and inspired a spirit of curiosity and adventure.

A school spokesperson said: “It was a magical day for our Year Two pupils – full of sunshine, laughter, and discovery.

“Walking in the footsteps of Mary Anning really brought the curriculum to life, and the children loved every minute of it.”

Tewkesbury Academy was delighted to welcome local businesses, education establishments, and valued friends of the academy to support our Year 10 students through a series of practice interviews this week.

As part of their career’s education, students had been preparing their CVs during lessons and received guidance on how to approach interviews and present themselves effectively. The event gave every student the opportunity to engage in a one-to-one interview with an experienced professional, who generously offered their time, insights, and recruitment advice.

Students rose to the occasion, presenting themselves with confidence and professionalism. The feedback from our visiting interviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the students’ preparedness and attitude.

The interviewers, all experienced in recruitment and talent development, approached each session with kindness and encouragement, helping students build confidence and develop key communication and interpersonal skills.

Sarah Baird, Careers Lead at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the professionals who volunteered their time to help our students.

“These practice interviews are invaluable in helping young people prepare for the world of work, and we are so proud of how well our students represented themselves and the school.

“The support from our wider community makes a real difference.”

Tewkesbury Academy extends sincere thanks to all who took part and looks forward to building on this successful event in future careers initiatives.

Ageas Insurance Ltd

Alan Bartholomew

Anne Bartholomew

Babcock International

Barclays

Department for Work and Pensions

GCC Employment & Skills Hub

Geometric Manufacturing

Gloucestershire College

Hartpury College and University

Joedan Windows and Doors Ltd

Kier Construction

Lakes Bathrooms

NHS

Ontic

SGS College

Skanska

Sphere Solutions Ltd

Taunton’s MP, Gideon Amos, has praised the provision at The Sky Academy after visiting the educational facility in Priorswood.

Part of the Cabot Learning Federation, The Sky Academy is a specialist provision dedicated to supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs and speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

It is committed to helping each learner to overcome personal and academic barriers — whether in the classroom or through a range of enriching experiences.

Mr Amos visited the Year 11 Art Exhibition and also heard younger students read poems they had written.

He said afterwards: “So many young students at The Sky Academy have made such excellent progress despite often very difficult circumstances.

“They had produced some great work, and it was really good to hear about the next stages of training and college they are moving on to after such a lot of GCSE success.

“Special educational need deserves more attention and funding so that more children who need it can get the kind of support that staff at Sky work hard to provide every day”

Gaby Long, Principal of The Sky Academy, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our Year 11 GCSE Art learners.

“The exhibition is a powerful reflection of their growth—not just academically and creatively, but socially and emotionally as well.

“It’s a celebration of their resilience, imagination, and the belief that they can achieve great things.”

Alfie Odam, who of the Year 11 students exhibiting his work, said: “The art was fun to attend to and do.

“All the staff have been very supportive to me throughout my journey at The Sky Academy.”

His proud mum, Diane, added: “The Art Exhibition was outstanding and the artwork from all the students was amazing. They should be very proud of what they have produced – as we are of them.

“The Sky Academy has been the best place for my son to grow and develop with all the amazing support and understanding that all the staff have shown him and us all as a family.”

Charlie Ennals, Art teacher and PD lead at The Sky Academy, said she was “incredibly proud of the Year 11 GCSE Art student.

“Watching their creative journeys unfold over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Herons’ Moor Academy is a ‘safe and nurturing environment’ with ‘high expectations’ for its pupils, according to Ofsted inspectors who have rated the school ‘Good’ in all areas.

Ofsted spent two days assessing the Weston-super-Mare 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 is ‘Good’ in all five key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and early years provision.

Inspectors heaped praise on its ‘clear and logical curriculum’ and the ‘strong relationships’ between children and staff which help all children enjoy a ‘strong sense of belonging’.

In her report, lead inspector Caroline Musty said: “The school is a nurturing and caring environment. It is a happy community where pupils and staff feel a strong sense of belonging. Pupils are kind and show respect towards staff and to each other.

“The school is ambitious for all its pupils. Staff share the trust’s vision of working together to support pupils to achieve lifelong success. The school knows its pupils well. It makes sure they get the help they need to be successful. Pupils are enthusiastic to share their knowledge. They work hard and are well prepared for their next stage of education.”

The report went on to highlight Herons’ Moor’s success in a number of other key areas.

On curriculum, Ofsted said: “School leaders, supported by the trust, have designed a clear and logical curriculum. It details the knowledge, skills and vocabulary that pupils will build as they move through the school. Developing pupils’ ability to communicate is at the heart of this curriculum.”

On pupil behaviour, the report said: “Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and conduct. This starts in Nursery, where children listen carefully and follow routines. Pupils know the school rules. They follow expectations in and outside of classrooms. They move around the school in a calm and orderly manner.”

On SEND, it said: “The school has an accurate understanding of the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff identify these needs and give effective support. They provide pupils with adult support and adapted resources. This helps pupils with SEND access the curriculum and make progress towards meeting their individual targets.”

On pupil voice, the report said: “Pupils have a wide range of leadership roles. They plan and lead discussions with pupils across the school about current issues. This helps pupils to reflect on the lives of others.

“Pupils are active in the community. The eco council has worked with the local council to develop an area of land for planting. The choir sings in the local supermarket and to residents in a local care home. This helps pupils to develop their understanding of active citizenship.”

And on future aspirations, it said: “The school is ambitious for all its pupils. Staff share the trust’s vision of working together to support pupils to achieve lifelong success.

“The school knows its pupils well. It makes sure they get the help they need to be successful. Pupils are enthusiastic to share their knowledge. They work hard and are well prepared for their next stage of education.”

Additionally, Ofsted heralded Herons’ Moor’s ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback from parents and carers, and the ‘highly effective’ relationship between the school and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF).

Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders within both Herons’ Moor Academy and the CLF.

Georgie Tinker, Principal at Herons’ Moor Academy, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. It is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion shown by our staff, pupils, and wider school community.

“This report affirms our commitment to providing a nurturing and high-quality learning environment where every child can thrive. We look forward to embracing the challenge of building on what we have achieved so far.”

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

“Herons’ Moor is so important in the context of its community, and it’s great that some of its many strengths as a school are being highlighted in this report.

“Well done to the hard-working team – this outcome is a reflection of the excellent work they do every day. We’re all very proud of Herons’ Moor in our trust.”

Two of Bristol’s most successful education bodies are teaming up in a new partnership designed to give the city’s young people new pathways into careers, sport and the arts.

The Cabot Learning Federation – which runs 35 schools across the South West – is joining forces with Clifton College in an exciting initiative to boost access to facilities and opportunities for young people throughout the city.

The two bodies have pledged to share their expertise and resources to enhance children and young people’s school experience, which can help elevate attendance, ambition and aspiration of learners.

The CLF and Clifton College will collaborate on:

• Employability and careers. Sharing connections and enhancing opportunities across the city.
• Youth leadership. Creating opportunities for young leaders to support learners across the CLF and at Clifton College in areas such as reading, writing and dance.
• Performing & creative arts. Collaborating towards a showcase event at a city centre venue, a huge celebration of art, photography, dance and singing. Access opportunities with partner venues across Bristol.
• Sports fixtures and experiences. Opportunity to schedule representative fixtures for CLF invitational teams to play against Clifton College, facilitating joint training sessions and providing access to sports facilities.
• Sharing venue spaces. Together, the CLF and Clifton College have a wide range of spaces across the city and will work together to maximise the use of these spaces, supporting a range of activities for our young people and the community.
• Water sports. In collaboration with AA Watersports, the CLF and Clifton College are excited to be working to raise awareness of water sports among young people. In an initial pilot, a cohort of Clifton College students who are training to become instructors, will coach Year 7 & 8 learners from CLF to sail. This will help students develop key skills such as teamwork, communication and resilience.

Leaders from both the CLF and Clifton College say they are excited to be working together to help deliver new opportunities for Bristol’s next generation.

Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:

“Schools and educational organisations across our city are increasingly coming together to collaborate on ways to support all of our children and communities, sharing their expertise and resources. With that in mind it is both timely and exciting for us to develop such a positive relationship with colleagues at Clifton College.

“Bringing together and amplifying the best ideas from both organisations will create the potential to positively influence the experiences and futures of the children and young people across Bristol and beyond.

“This is a great opportunity to connect areas of our city; we’re looking forward to co-creating a range of meaningful activities, events and experiences that enable collaboration amongst children and young people from diverse communities across Bristol.”

Melvyn Roffe, Chief Executive of Clifton College Education Group, said:

“This is a marvellous example of educational organisations identifying new ways of working to maximise the opportunities and excellence we deliver as individual organisations. This collaboration will allow us to deliver the best, not only for our pupils, but for the communities of Bristol.

“We are very proud of our Bristol location and the diverse, cultural and inspiring community we have been part of during our 163-year history. This region is an incredible place to live and this collaboration accentuates every opportunity that Bristol offers from water sports to creative arts and everything in between.

“As educational providers our priority is to prepare children for a rapidly changing modern world and I am particularly proud of the focus this partnership has on employability and careers. Offering young people the opportunity to lead and support others will give them invaluable experience and strong foundations for their future.”