‘High quality’ teaching, an ‘inclusive’ environment and a ‘comprehensive careers programme’ which help students to thrive at CLF Post 16 have earned the Bristol education centre a rating of ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted inspectors.

A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing CLF Post 16 and neighbouring John Cabot Academy, during which time inspectors met with senior leaders, teachers and students, and carried out a deep dive into a number of subject areas.

At the conclusion of the process, the Ofsted team heralded CLF Post 16 as ‘a welcoming school’ where students feel ‘a strong sense of belonging’ and are supported to succeed.

In her report, lead inspector Frances Bywater said: “The CLF Post-16 ethos of ‘Care, Believe, Achieve’ is fully realised. Students in the post-16 provision come from a wide range of schools. Across the whole school, pupils feel a strong sense of belonging.

“Students in Post 16 enjoy their time at school. 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.”

On CLF Post 16’s curriculum and teaching, the report said: “Students in the post-16 provision have a broad and varied range of subjects available to them. The qualifications have been carefully selected to ensure that they are fully inclusive.

“Students, including those who have previously had negative educational experiences, thrive here. This is a result of the thoughtful academic and pastoral support.”

On inclusivity and enrichment, the report said: “Post 16 students are particularly articulate in talking about equality and diversity. Pupils of all ages value and respect people with different backgrounds and beliefs.

“They appreciate the many extra-curricular opportunities that the school provides. These include a wide range of enrichment planned within the curriculum. In the post-16 provision, students create and lead their own clubs.”

And on careers provision, Ofsted said: “A comprehensive careers programme provides pupils and post-16 students with helpful guidance. They learn about university and vocational routes.

“The school has developed strong partnerships with other providers. The destinations pupils and students go on to are a real strength of the school.”

The report also said teachers at Post 16 are ‘aspirational for all pupils’, while praising its ‘effective’ safeguarding systems and ‘strong’ pastoral support.

Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at CLF Post 16, as well as within its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.

Kath Cooper, Principal at CLF Post 16, 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.”

Sally Apps, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:  

“It is enormously pleasing to know that the Cabot Learning Federation Post 16 provision has been recognised for the outstanding level of care and ambition that is demonstrated every day in the centre.

“The curriculum offer, paired with the excellent pastoral care, has opened doors to students and enabled them to achieve their potential – sometimes against considerable adversity. We are all very proud of what the students, parents, staff and leaders have achieved to date.”

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

“Colleagues involved in post-16 provision in our sector will know how challenging it is to achieve an outstanding inspection outcome; the bar is appropriately high, and I am delighted that the excellence of CLF Post 16 has been recognised by the inspectorate.

“The school has improved every year since its inception in 2010 and it now combines the maturity of a school that has been strong for some time and the modernism of a school that offers a curriculum and pastoral support that is of our time. Well done to the team.”

Bristol’s John Cabot Academy has been ranked fifth among the best-performing state secondary schools in the city, according to the latest performance data released by the Department for Education.

The newly published figures for the 2023/24 academic year highlight the exceptional achievements of students and staff at John Cabot Academy, showcasing their dedication and hard work.

Kate Willis, Principal of John Cabot Academy, said: “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and commitment of our students, teachers, and support staff.

“At John Cabot Academy, we strive to nurture every student’s potential, and this result reflects our unwavering focus on high standards and inclusive education.”

Year 12 and 13 engineering students from Tewkesbury Academy recently had the opportunity to visit the prestigious Bugatti Trust Museum and Study Centre, located at Prescott.

The group was accompanied by two members of staff and participated in a day filled with exploration, education, and inspiration.

The students toured the museum’s fascinating exhibition, which displays the legacy of Ettore Bugatti, a pioneering engineer and designer renowned for his innovative contributions to automotive engineering.

Alongside the exhibition, the group attended an engaging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) presentation that delved into Bugatti’s remarkable achievements and the principles behind his groundbreaking designs.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “This visit was an invaluable experience for our students, offering them a unique insight into the intersection of engineering, design, and innovation.

“The Bugatti Trust provided an inspiring platform to explore the historical and technical aspects of engineering while reinforcing the importance of STEM in shaping the future.”

This educational trip underscores Tewkesbury Academy’s commitment to providing its students with enriching experiences that complement their curriculum and develop their curiosity about the world of engineering.

It was an extremely proud moment at The Nest, part of Snowdon Village, as staff and pupils gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil their brand-new playground.

This occasion marked the culmination of a massive team effort and a shared commitment to improving the play time of the children at The Nest.

The new playground promises to bring countless hours of fun, laughter, and play, creating an exciting space for pupils to explore, grow, and connect.

Hope Allen, Centre Lead at The Nest, shared her enthusiasm. She said: “The smiles on the children’s faces and the pride among our staff will stay with me for a very long time.

“It’s a true testament to teamwork and our dedication to creating a nurturing, joyful environment for our pupils.”

The Nest extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project, from staff to supporters, whose combined efforts have turned a dream into reality.

Staff and students from Hans Price Academy recently visited Somewhere To Go, a charity in Weston-super-Mare that provides vital day and night services 365 days a year.

The organisation supports rough sleepers and vulnerable adults in need, offering a warm, safe refuge, hot food, showers, clean clothing, and a listening ear.

During their visit, the academy representatives presented the charity with a cheque for £1,636.22, raised during a successful fireworks event. Staff and students worked together to run fundraising stalls at the event, further contributing to the generous donation.

Additionally, the academy delivered eight full boxes of warm clothing, kindly donated by the school community, to help those in need during the winter months.

The choice to support Somewhere To Go was determined by a student-led vote held the previous week, reflecting the academy’s focus on developing student engagement and empathy.

Sandra Cox, Academic Learning Mentor at Hans Price Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for coming together to support such a vital cause.

“The funds and clothing donated will make a real difference to the lives of those in our community who need it most.”