‘Exemplary’ behaviour, a ‘family’ culture and an ‘exceptionally well-designed’ curriculum have earned Uphill Village Academy a rating of ‘Outstanding’ in all areas from schools inspector Ofsted.
Inspectors heralded the Weston-super-Mare school as a place where pupils ‘feel happy, safe and well cared for’, while learning to become ‘wonderful representatives for their school and role models for younger pupils’.
Ofsted’s glowing endorsement follows a two-day visit from an inspection team, who met leaders from Uphill and the school’s parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation, spoke to staff, parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into teaching and curriculum.
The formal report, published this week, confirmed Uphill had been rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.
Lead Inspector Victoria Griffin wrote: “Pupils are rightly proud to attend Uphill Village Academy.
“They take full advantage of the opportunities they have to contribute to their school and local community.
“Pupils develop a deep understanding of the world around them through participating in projects. For example, about plastic pollution and becoming kindness ambassadors, ensuring the school is respectful and welcoming.
“One parent describing the school like ‘an extended family’ expressed the typical views of many parents and carers.”
The report offered further praise for Uphill in a number of areas.
On learning and SEND, it said: “The school has high expectations of all pupils. The curriculum is exceptionally well designed, which means pupils successfully build their knowledge over time. As a result, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged achieve well.”
On pupil behaviour, it said: “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They are polite and thoughtful to one another, to staff and visitors. Pupils feel a keen sense of belonging. Many take on positions of responsibility. These pupils are wonderful representatives for their school and role models for younger pupils.”
On teaching, it said: “The trust has supported the school to identify precisely what pupils need to learn at every stage and in every subject. It provides a range of opportunities for staff at all levels to develop their subject expertise. As a result, staff have excellent subject knowledge and understand how to deliver the curriculum so that pupils remember what they learn.”
On culture and leadership, it said: “The school’s vision of ‘Learning Without Limits’ is achieved through the way its academic curriculum and focus on character development complement one another. Governors effectively support the school to ensure this vision is fully realised. Pupils are active citizens, contributing to the way the school runs and representing their school in charity and sports events. They are wellprepared for life in modern Britain.”
And on early year provision, it added: “Children in the early years foundation stage thrive. They get off to a strong start, settling quickly into the school’s routines.”
Ofsted also commented on Uphill’s ‘effective’ safeguarding, the ‘deep respect’ within the pupil community, and the ‘sharp focus’ of teachers and governors in ensuring pupils achieve well.
The assessment has been warmly welcomed by school leaders, who paid tribute to the hard work of teachers and support staff in Uphill’s success.
Sam Hodder, Principal of Uphill Village Academy, said:
“We are thrilled with this outcome. It recognises the years of dedication, passion and hard work of our whole staff team.
“We are delighted that the inspection team acknowledged the level of ambition that we have for our children to achieve both academically and as valued members of the wider community. I am so proud of our brilliant children, staff and families.”
Susie Weaver, Education Director at the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“We are delighted with the findings from our most recent Ofsted inspection and the report reflects what we know about the school – it is a fantastic place to learn and there is such a strong community at Uphill.
“Leaders and the local Academy Council have invested over time in creating a learning experience for all children that is rich, engaging, purposeful and joy-filled.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“We have known for some time that Uphill has been a special place to go to school. Over recent years the school has continuously strived to become even stronger – the commitment of all staff to the pupils and the community has been exceptional.
“This report is well-deserved and great news for all concerned.”
Picture caption: Principal Sam Hodder and Vice Principal Sasha Allsopp join pupils in celebrating Uphill Village Academy’s ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted.
