A Bristol-based teacher training institute – which is responsible for training teachers for schools across the city – has earned the highest possible grade of ‘Outstanding’ from education regulator Ofsted.
The Cabot Learning Federation SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) was established in 2015 and has since helped launch the classroom careers of more than 500 new teachers across an area from South Gloucestershire to Somerset.
It has become the only school-based teacher training provider in the region to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, after inspectors heaped praise upon the quality of its provision and the leadership team at its helm.
This followed a four-day inspection, during which Ofsted’s representatives met course leaders and trainers, spoke to board members and more than 40 trainees and new teachers, and visited 12 partner schools.
They also scrutinised policies and behaviour linked to safeguarding, governance and curriculum – before judging the CLF SCITT to be ‘outstanding’ in all areas.
In her report, lead inspector Lydia Pride said teachers who learn their craft at the CLF SCITT benefit from ‘exceptional quality of training’ in a curriculum which ‘champions the values of equity and inclusion’, and prize the ongoing support they receive in the early years of their teaching career.
The report said: “Trainees describe the provider as ‘a family’. Many seek out and secure employment in partner schools. They very often go on to further the work and aims of the SCITT through their roles as mentors.
“Trainees greatly appreciate the partnership’s ongoing support and consideration for their well-being and workload, which enables them to thrive at the centre, on their placements, and in their future careers.”
The CLF SCITT – which works closely with lead partners, including Olympus Academy Trust, the Leaf Trust and The Priory Learning Trust – was praised by inspectors for its work in a wide range of areas.
On diversity, they said: “The CLF SCITT provides a curriculum that celebrates diversity and champions the values of equity and inclusion. The provider deliberately seeks trainees who are committed to overcoming disadvantage.”
On behaviour, the report said: “Behaviour management is at the forefront of the curriculum. Trainees begin their first placements with a brimming ‘toolbox’ of ideas and approaches. With the support of skilled mentors… they become assured teachers who can create positive classroom cultures in different contexts.”
On teaching, they said: “Trainees benefit from consistently high-quality training at the centre. For example, the mathematics curriculum draws on the expertise of the Boolean Maths Hub, which sits alongside the SCITT. Through this link, trainees learn an exceptional mathematics curriculum.”
On development, they said: “Leaders go out of their way to identify and develop potential teachers of the future. The SCITT works with a wide range of partners, in a highly focused and ambitious way. School Direct partners are highly complimentary about the role the SCITT plays in helping them to build strong teaching teams.”
And on leadership, the report said: “Leaders are relentless in their pursuit of their ambitious vision for trainees. They seek and reflect on feedback as a matter of routine. This creates a cycle of improvement in which staff and trainees alike are consistently invested.”
Ofsted’s appraisal has been warmly welcomed by CLF SCITT leaders and alumni, who say the centre’s policy of supporting new teachers through their training and into their classroom careers has been key to launching many successful careers in education.
Alison Fletcher, CLF Institute Director, said:
“This is a great outcome for our SCITT partnership, trainees and alumni. It is validation of our commitment over time to develop an inclusive initial teacher training provision, grounded in our knowledge of current challenges in schools and the sector, that prepares new teachers exceptionally well to work in schools in our region and be successful and effective for their pupils, especially those who experience disadvantage.”
Michelle Moxham, SCITT Director, said:
“It is heartening to hear our trainees described as being highly reflective, keen to improve, and how their interaction with tutors, subject specialists and experts supports this. They say they are well prepared during training to positively manage their own well-being and workload, that they are inducted into professional networks and receive ongoing support through their early career years.
“Recruitment to teaching and retention of good teachers in the profession is acutely challenging at present. Our trainee teachers are great ambassadors for teaching as a profession of choice and can see their potential career development in examples of our alumni in mentoring and leadership roles.”
CLF SCITT trainee Tom Symons, who will begin work as a physics teacher at Bristol Brunel Academy in September, said:
“Training with the CLF SCITT this year has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The mix of work on placement and in-house training has really shaped me as a teacher. The community of trainers and trainees has been so supportive this year and I am looking forward to working within the CLF as an ECT from September.”
And CLF SCITT trainee Georgia Sinclair, who is currently on a work placement at Woodlands Academy in Bristol, said:
“The training and support I have received from the whole team at the CLF has been phenomenal.
“They are incredibly passionate about providing outstanding teaching and learning opportunities for all children and this really permeates the entire SCITT programme.
“The training has always been incredibly engaging and well sequenced to complement school-based placements. Their highly-personalised approach means trainees always feel tutors have the best interests at heart. This was a huge attraction when I was selecting an ITT provider, and the CLF has gone above and beyond my expectations in this, and all other, respects.
“I have already highly recommended this SCITT course to other people looking to undertake ITT and will continue to do so.”
A student from an academy in Kingswood has just become a national champion in the boxing ring.
Lacey Holloway, a Year 8 student at King’s Oak Academy, is now an English Schools Boxing Champion in the under 38kg weight category.
After a series of tough preliminary fights in the weeks leading up to the final, Lacey emerged victorious from a fiercely fought three-round contest, winning on points.
The 12-year-old was first inspired to take up the sport at the tender age of 10, by her brother and her mother, Claire Holloway, who is also a boxing coach. She now trains at Downend Boxing Club under the expert guidance of coaches Craig Turner, Connor White and Bailey Phillips.
Now completely dedicated to the sport, Lacey trains three times a week all year round. Next up will be development training with the England team at the institute of sport in Sheffield.
Lacey said: “Winning this title was my dream, and I am really happy to be a national boxing champion.
“I would like to thank my mum for supporting me throughout my career so far and always being there for me. Both mum and I would like to thank Downend Boxing club for helping me achieve this.”
Robyn Harrold, King’s Oak Academy PE teacher, said: “This is an outstanding achievement and highlights Lacey’s dedication to training multiple times a week.
“We look forward to seeing her continued success and excellence in future competitions.”
A team of students from Bristol have reaffirmed their school’s dominance of a UK sporting contest by winning a national basketball title for the fifth time in eight years.
The under-16 boys’ team from Bristol Metropolitan Academy – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – showed abundant skill and determination to clinch victory at the Dynamik schools’ national competition.
Bristol Metropolitan convincingly beat London powerhouse Greig City Academy by 80-59 in the final stage at the National Basketball Performance in Manchester.
Their journey to the title was a hard-fought one, but Bristol Metropolitan displayed excellent teamwork at every stage. They first emerged triumphant from five qualifying games during the South West regional group stages, followed by four playoff games against teams from Birmingham, Telford, Newcastle and Manchester at the finals tournament.
Underpinning Bristol Metropolitan’s basketball success is a commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.
The school’s basketball programme has its foundations in attendance and behaviour. All players and parents sign a contract to confirm they will maintain certain standards to retain a place in the basketball programme. They means retaining a 4.3 behaviour average, 96% and above attendance and good punctuality. If these standards are not met, students will not be permitted to play for the team.
Tom Hooper, Programme Leader for PE at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, said: “I am extremely proud of what this group of boys have achieved. We have worked together consistently for five years with this always being our ultimate goal.
“I hope they look back fondly at their time at the academy and go on to fulfil their full potential.”
Students in Weston-super-Mare were given an insight into top level sport when a Team GB athlete visited to talk about their competitive career.
James Tomlinson, Team GB discus thrower, visited Haywood Village Academy to talk all things discus and GB Athletics.
James spoke to pupils about his event, and shared his journey from a young enthusiast to a seasoned athlete, inspiring pupils with his tales of dedication, perseverance, and triumph. He also spoke about his achievements, training, diet, mental health and resilience, illustrated by his journey back to full fitness after injury.
James started throwing a discus at 13 after winning the county championship. To train, he was throwing pebbles on the beach with his dad. After the championships, his dad bought him his first discus and he started training at Pembrokeshire Harriers, his local athletics club.
In 2014 James won his first Wales Schools Championship which led him to compete in his first international tournament, where he won his first gold medal.
During his visit, pupils from nursery to Year 6 undertook a sponsored fitness circuit. The school raised more than £2,000 which will be shared between the academy, where it will be put towards PE equipment and enrichment, and Sports for Champions UK, which helps young elite athletes fund their winter training, travel and other costs.
Neil Sharp, PE subject lead and Year 4 teacher, said: “It was an excellent experience for our children to meet a top Great Britain athlete in a discipline that they might have been unfamiliar with. Because of their interest we have now added the discus event into our own sports day.
“The children were fully engaged, and this is proven by the staggering amount of money raised both for the school and the charity. On the day, James spoke about a number of interesting aspects about his career but the parts about growth mindset and showing resilience in tough times really resonated with our children.”
An academy in Weston-super-Mare had a visit from a former football striker and manager who is driving change through his work as an anti-discrimination educator and broadcaster.
Winterstoke Hundred Academy welcomed Leroy Rosenior MBE, a former top flight professional footballer whose career included stints at clubs such as West Ham, Fulham, Queen’s Park Rangers, and Bristol City. Leroy, a leading voice in this field, is now also the Vice President and Ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card, an organisation dedicated to combatting racism and discrimination in the sporting arena.
The visit aimed to give students an understanding on the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion, both in sports and wider society.
Leroy delivered impactful workshops to more than 300 Year 7 and 8 students about his work as an anti-racism campaigner.
Leroy’s commitment to combating discrimination was recognised in 2019 when he was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a testament to his unwavering dedication to social justice.
Emily Robinson, Head of House at Winterstoke Hundred Academy, said: “Leroy is among the prominent figures who have contributed to shaping English football’s future approach to tackling racism and abuse in sports.
“His insights and experiences provided valuable learning opportunities for our students. We would all like to thank Leroy for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to our students.”
Pupils at Bristol’s Frome Vale Academy are enjoying some unique lessons in responsibility and entrepreneurship by running their own school shop.
Frome Vesco is a wholly student-operated convenience store. Designed and named by the school’s talented pupils, Frome Vesco is now open for business, offering a wide array of goods tailored to meet the needs of pupils.
Located within the academy, Frome Vesco is stocked with essentials ranging from books to stationery, providing a convenient shopping experience for pupils. What sets Frome Vesco apart is not just its products, but also its unique operational model. The store is entirely managed and operated by pupils, helping them to evolve their own sense of responsibility and business.
It also gives pupils a chance to spend their Penguin Pounds, a bespoke school currency which can be earned by carrying out jobs within the academy. The store is open twice a week at break time.
Pupils in charge of the shop are then expected to do a weekly stock check and report this to the principal so stocks can be replenished.
Pupils can earn their Penguin Pounds by applying for jobs including first aid monitors, lunch trolley monitors, play buddies and recyclers. Initially they need to earn Frome Vale citizen cards for good behaviours and carrying out their jobs. When they have 10 Frome Vale citizen cards, they can convert them to one Penguin Pound.
This initiative is teaching pupils the importance of working hard, spending and saving wisely, but more importantly about the power of teamwork and collaboration with their classmates.
Jan Saunders, Principal of Frome Vale Academy, said: “This is the next step in providing children with the opportunity to understand commerce and develop skills that replicate those in the real world. It is also a natural part of providing an opportunity for children to spend the hard-earned Penguin Pounds.”
A joint academy careers trip opened up a whole new world of amazing opportunities for two Bristol academies within the Cabot Learning Federation.
A group of 11 Year Nine students from Bristol Brunel Academy and City Academy spent the day at the Bristol Port Company thanks to an Insight Into Apprenticeships programme run by South Bristol Youth.
As one of the UK’s major ports, Bristol Port provides an extensive range of port, warehousing, logistics and distribution services. It is also the UK’s only deep-water port to have direct motorway and rail connections to all points of the compass.
During their visit, students explored the diverse career pathways available within the transport and logistics sector, gaining invaluable insights into the bustling operations of the docks. They had the chance to work with training equipment used to prepare port operatives, providing them with a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic world of port operations.
Craig Jordon, Careers and Employability Coach at Bristol Brunel Academy, said: “Operating the crane was my favourite part but the tours and talks highlighted the numerous opportunities that the sector and The Bristol Port Company has to offer from school leavers through to graduates.”
Rachel Martin, Careers & Aspirations Co-ordinator at City Academy, said: “It was a fascinating and fun day for the students who loved being able to control a crane. The employees at the port were very welcoming.”
This initiative between Bristol Brunel Academy and City Academy underscores the Cabot Learning Federation’s dedication to academies working in collaboration to give all students the best life chances possible.
Pupils at Haywood Village Academy were treated to an unforgettable experience as they delved into the captivating world of rainforest animals. Reception had the unique opportunity to meet an array of fascinating creatures during a special visit from Zoolab.
Zoolab, a renowned family-run business, brought the rainforest to life right in the heart of the academy. For over 20 years, Zoolab has been astounding, educating, and inspiring children across the UK with their diverse collection of exotic animals.
During the visit, pupils were introduced to a python, scorpion, giant African land snail, white tree frog, and a stick insect. Despite the variety of creatures, the pupils showed remarkable courage as they eagerly embraced the opportunity to hold each animal.
Their curiosity shone through as they posed thoughtful and engaging questions, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Della Hall Class Teacher at Haywood Village Academy said: “We have been learning about the rainforest as part of our themed enquiry. The children thoroughly enjoyed meeting real animals from the rainforest to support their understanding about the world around them. We are looking forward to writing about our experience.”
Staff and pupils at Snowdon Village, part of the Cabot Learning Federation’s central alternative provision, had a fun day dressing up as superheroes in recognition of children who are suffering every day with a syndrome without a name (SWAN).
A charity awareness day was held for SWAN UK, celebrating Undiagnosed Children’s Day, which takes part every last Friday in April. SWAN UK is the only dedicated support network in the UK for families affected by a syndrome without a name – genetic conditions so rare they often remain undiagnosed.
The aim of SWAN UK is that every family gets the support that they need, regardless of whether or not they have a diagnosis.
Enthusiastic pupils from Years one to 11 took part in the charity fundraising day which has raised over £400 in donations so far. All proceeds raised will go to SWAN UK’s invaluable efforts to support their incredible work, providing much-needed assistance to affected families across the UK.
Many of the children Snowdon Village support are suffering with needs that have yet to be formally diagnosed. Staff used this day to really celebrate the children they work with and raise awareness about their differing and complex needs.
Alex Davies, Principal of Snowdon Village, said: “I was thrilled with how many staff and students took part in this important day. A highlight for me was talking to the children about how much they enjoyed learning Makaton and exploring what it would be like to lose a skill many of us take for granted such as talking or walking.
“Many of the children we work with are suffering from undiagnosed needs and it was important to us we marked this day and celebrated the needs of the children we work with and other superheroes across the UK who may be suffering with an undiagnosed need. They might not be wearing capes every day, but they are all superheroes in our eyes.”
Through this heartwarming initiative, Snowdon Village reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusivity, empathy, and support for all its students and their families.
Students from across the Cabot Learning Federation were given a unique insight into the worlds of policing, politics and public safety in a community assembly attended by the four candidates to be the next Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.
Bristol’s City Academy played host to the Avon and Somerset Youth Accountability Assembly, an event carefully organised by Citizens Somerset and Citizens Southwest, the local alliances of Citizens UK.
The event saw students from Bristol, Weston-super-Mare and Somerset – representing schools including Hanham Woods Academy, CLF Post 16, and Broadoak Academy – join other regional civil society organisations in putting questions to the PCC candidates.
The agenda had been carefully crafted over 12 months and featured a number of detailed asks they were seeking candidates’ commitment on as part of their ambitions for policing in the region.
Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats), Katy Grant (Green Party), Clare Moody (Labour and Co-operative Party) and Mark Shelford (Conservative Party) will all be hoping to top the ballot when voters head to the polls on Thursday.
But first they were invited to participate in an event seeking to reshape democracy in the region by placing people’s stories at the heart of how future policy can be formulated.
The Citizens UK initiative was designed to help foster closer ties between the candidates and the region’s young people, celebrate past achievements in improving the safety of our streets, and secure public commitments on future initiatives.
Candidates were asked to pledge support for initiatives to tackle knife crime, work with schools to encourage crime reporting, ringfence funding for youth diversionary activities, and help to reduce poverty by creating a Living Wage region in Avon and Somerset.
These actions form part of a ‘citizens’ agenda for change’ proposed by Citizens Somerset and the developing alliance in Bristol, which believes unified community action is vital to help overcome issues such as knife crime and street violence.
Carina Crawford Khan, Assistant Director at Citizens UK, said: “The assembly is an exciting opportunity to reimagine what politics could look like across Avon and Somerset when we are able to bring communities and decision makers together for the common good.
“We are all concerned about the recent rise in violence in our communities and recognise that anger without power can lead to rage. Sometimes fear can lead us to retreat. But through community organising, we are building power to create a vehicle for change and offer hope that things can be different and we can find solutions to tackle this issue.”
Sally Apps, Executive Principal of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “The voices and views of our children are critical to creating a safer community now and in the future; working with Citizens UK as part of our wider Voice strategy has enabled our children to be taken seriously and to be a powerful force for change.”
