Ofsted praise for improving Northumberland school

A strong sense of community, rich curriculum and positive relationships have all helped a Bedlington school achieve a Good Ofsted rating after a recent inspection

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The St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy enjoys a broad range of subjects in its curriculum along with leaders who have “thought very carefully about what pupils need to know to be successful in life beyond school,” the report says.

Inspectors highlighted a number of key areas for praise and said: “The improvement in the quality of education in the school reflects the ambition that governors have for the pupils.”

“There is a strong sense of community at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy. Pupils get along well with each other and with the staff.”

Bullying is dealt with and there is a ‘climate of respect and tolerance’ within the academy, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust. There are 1,117 pupils on the school roll, aged from 11 to 18.

“The entire school community is delighted that we have attained a Good judgement from Ofsted. Everyone works hard to ensure we offer the best education for all our students and the report reflects our ethos,” said head teacher Kevin Shepherd.

“Our dedicated staff show a deep commitment to our students and always go the extra mile to ensure they feel happy, safe and are challenged academically,” he added.

The governors were highlighted in the report for the ‘very well-developed’ understanding of the strengths and areas for development in the schools.  Along with staff, they know the community well and are ambitious for the students.

The inspectors awarded a Good status to each of the five key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision. The previous inspection grade was Requires Improvement.

A noticeable impact has been created for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) after external reviews of provision.

“They have used this advice to improve pupil support plans and train teachers. The families of SEND are involved in discussing their progress and support,” the report notes.

Rates of attendance for some pupils need improving while the extra-curricular programme could reach more pupils at the school, the inspectors added.

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