An ‘inclusive’ environment, ‘ambitious curriculum’ and a ‘rich learning experience’ have helped Bristol’s John Cabot Academy retain its rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted inspectors.
A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing the 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 John Cabot as ‘a welcoming school’ where ‘students feel a strong sense of belonging’.
They rated the school as ‘Good’ for the quality of its education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership.
CLF Post 16, which shares the school site and delivers A-levels and vocational training, was rated as ‘Outstanding’.
In her report, lead inspector Frances Bywater said: “Pupils in John Cabot Academy 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 teaching and attainment, the report said: “John Cabot has created an ambitious curriculum. It provides pupils with a rich learning experience.
“The school focuses on the needs of disadvantaged pupils. Staff ensure that they remove barriers to learning. As a result, pupils achieve very well in GCSE examinations.”
On SEND provision, the report said: “The school is committed to ensuring that pupils are successful, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
“Pupils with SEND have their needs accurately identified. For the most part, staff make appropriate adaptations to meet these needs. As a result, these pupils achieve well.”
On student care and behaviour, Ofsted said: “The pastoral care provided by the school is a strength. The school makes every effort to promote high attendance and challenge absence. As a result, pupils’ attendance at school is high.
“The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. Staff apply these expectations consistently and fairly. Consequently, pupils behave well in lessons and around the school.”
In addition, the report praised John Cabot’s ‘effective’ safeguarding, ‘comprehensive’ careers programme, and the ‘wide range’ of extra-curricular enrichment activities on offer.
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at the school, and within its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Kate Willis, Principal at John Cabot Academy, said:
“I am delighted by the Ofsted report which is a wonderful description of our ‘welcoming’ school to which ‘pupils feel a strong sense of belonging’.
“We talk a lot about the vision for JCA: Empowering ourselves and our community by nurturing students as individuals, inspiring them through learning and raising our community.
“Consequently, I am thrilled that Ofsted have seen much of our vision realised. It means our students are thriving academically; flourishing and growing as young people.”
Sally Apps, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“John Cabot Academy has been an important part of the educational landscape in Kingswood and beyond for some time; it is so pleasing to see the school’s significant strengths recognised in this way.
“Congratulations to the whole school community – the parents, teachers, leaders and particularly the children themselves – on the collaborative spirit and genuine care that goes into being such a special and successful school.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Both the outcomes achieved by students and the judgement of Ofsted point to John Cabot being an excellent place for children to attend school.
“I am delighted for the community, who have seen their local school successfully transition from having been a City Technology College in the 1990s and early 2000s to a highly successful local comprehensive school, serving the needs of all its learners. Congratulations to our brilliant team for this recognition of their excellent work.”
