Strong leadership and ‘expert’ teaching have helped Bristol Brunel Academy retain its ‘Good’ rating in a new Ofsted assessment published today.
Bristol Brunel – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – earned praise from the watchdog’s inspectors in a number of areas, including ‘effective’ safeguarding practices, an ‘ambitious’ curriculum and ‘good behaviour’ among students.
The report also highlighted how students feel proud of their school – and that ‘many feel privileged’ to be part of the Bristol Brunel community.
Ofsted inspectors said: “Pupils are very proud of their school. Many feel privileged to attend. They feel a sense of belonging.
“Bristol Brunel Academy is a place where diversity is valued and celebrated. Relationships between staff and pupils are mutually respectful. Pupils have a voice in the school which leads to positive change. For example, pupils have re-named their houses after inspirational figures and introduced sustainable cutlery to the refectory.
“Through the ‘BBA Backpack’, pupils acquire the skills and qualities they will need in the future. For example, they develop self-esteem and a strong work ethic. Pupils’ success is rewarded. They describe how this creates a real sense of achievement in all areas of school life.”
Jon Jones, Principal of Bristol Brunel Academy, said: “The report reflects much of the excellence that Bristol Brunel Academy has become well known for. I feel incredibly proud of our staff, students and our community that has enabled this success and would like to thank all of our stakeholders for everything they have done to support our journey.
“As I move on to be Executive Principal for the Cabot Learning Federation, I know I leave the academy in a strong position and in the very capable hands of Jen Cusack as Head of School; much of the work recognised in this report has been built through her leadership.
“I particularly enjoyed reading how the inspection team recognised our ambitious curriculum, the important role Bristol Brunel holds in the community and how our students value the opportunities they receive both in lessons and in the wider enrichment curriculum.”
On behaviour, Ofsted inspectors said: “Pupils know it is important to behave well in school and that bullying will not be tolerated. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere in lessons and around the school site. Pupils appreciate the clear rules and expectations. As a result, behaviour is good.
On wider learning opportunities, they said: “There are a wide range of clubs which pupils attend. Examples include The Duke of Edinburgh Award, astronomy, cheerleading, engineering, and learning Mandarin. Pupils say there is something for everyone.
“Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum. It is designed to reflect the school’s diverse cohort. For example, in history, pupils’ study Somali migration. Leaders have thought carefully about the design and organisation of the curriculum. This helps pupils to build on what they already know.”
On teaching and leadership, they said: “Leaders have created a strong reading culture in the school. Pupils read books regularly which develops their love of reading. Pupils enjoy selecting books which introduce them to diverse cultures and which challenge stereotypes. Those who cannot read well enough are well supported through a range of interventions. This ensures that most pupils catch up quickly.
“Leadership, at all levels, is a strength of the school. Governors know the school well. They support leaders and hold them to account for the impact of their actions. Teachers appreciate the steps leaders take to reduce workload and support their well-being.
“Pupils benefit from clear explanations and expert subject teaching. They routinely re-visit what they have learned over time. Most of the time, teaching identifies any misconceptions or insecure knowledge. Where this happens regularly, pupils make rapid progress.
“Leaders have high expectations of all pupils. The large majority of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the full curriculum.”
And on personal development, inspectors added: “Provision for pupils’ wider development is strong. Leaders are determined to involve pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, in a rich array of cultural and social opportunities. Participation rates are good. Alongside a range of other clubs, the school offers a range of ‘inclusion groups’ including LGBTQ+, Young Carers, and a Social Action Group. All of this encourages pupils to engage with and embody ‘The Brunel Way.’ The planned opportunities reach into all aspects of pupils’ lives: academic, social, professional, personal and within the community.”
Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: All in the CLF are hugely proud of Bristol Brunel Academy. It has known a period of sustained and continuous improvement over the past decade and is understandably popular in the community and frequently over-subscribed. It’s clear to any of us who have the opportunity to spend time in the school that its team is ambitious to achieve even more in the future.
