‘Aspirational and inclusive’ Uphill Primary Academy is a school where staff have ‘the highest ambitions for every pupil’, according to an Ofsted report which says the school could be rated as ‘outstanding’ in its next inspection.
The school – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – was recently visited by the watchdog’s representatives for an ungraded inspection. This was Uphill’s first Ofsted visit since prior to the pandemic, and is one level below a full inspection in recognition of its current ‘good’ status.
Lead inspector Richard Vaughan met key staff, observed lessons, spoke to parents, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into key subject areas – before delivering a glowing assessment of Uphill’s provision.
His report confirmed ‘there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a graded inspection now’.
The report said: “Uphill Village Academy is a welcoming, inclusive place to learn. The school’s vision, ‘learning without limits,’ is a fundamental part of every pupil’s school day.
“Parents are overwhelmingly positive. Many comment on the care and attention staff show towards pupils.
“Leaders have high expectations for all members of the school community. Staff know pupils and their families well. Relationships are warm and respectful.
“Pupils feel safe. They say bullying is rare and if it were to happen, they are confident that adults would deal with it quickly.
“Pupils behave extremely well, both in and outside the classroom. As a result, the school is a calm and purposeful place to learn.”
Ofsted heralded Uphill’s leadership, curriculum, safeguarding and personal development offering, as well as other focus areas.
On curriculum, Ofsted said: “Leaders and staff have the highest ambitions for every pupil. They are relentless in the way in which they strive for improvement in all areas of the school. Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum that is designed exceptionally well.”
On SEND provision, the report said: “Leaders are ambitious for what all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can achieve. They expertly identify pupils’ additional needs. Staff know pupils well and ensure that they receive the support they need to learn the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.”
And on pupil development, Ofsted added: “Leaders provide pupils with wide-ranging and exciting opportunities to develop personally. Pupils confidently debate issues of importance to them, such as the effect of climate change. They have a mature understanding of respect, tolerance and diversity. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.”
Samantha Hodder, Uphill Primary Academy Principal, said:
“This is a fantastic outcome for our community. We are delighted that the inspection recognised the dedication, passion and relentless hard work of our whole school team. Our children, staff and school are, as described by the inspector, exceptional and we are very proud of our Uphill family.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Uphill Village Academy is quite simply a brilliant place to send your child to school. The team responded to the call from Ofsted in the final week of a busy year with characteristic professionalism, keen to demonstrate that the everyday experience of our children is routinely of the highest quality. I’m delighted for the community. Well done to the team.”
