Bellingham Middle School and Sports College, located in Northumberland, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Bellingham Middle School express a strong sense of safety and well-being, noting that staff are attentive and supportive. The school fosters a caring environment where pupils feel comfortable seeking help and advice. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them promptly. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and trips, which pupils appreciate, particularly the reward trips that enhance their school experience.
The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed. Teachers maintain high expectations for behavior, and the clear behavior policy contributes to a positive learning environment. Leaders at the school are ambitious for their pupils and are actively working to improve the curriculum to enhance knowledge retention and understanding.
While subjects like mathematics and English are well-developed, other areas such as music and French require further attention to ensure pupils can recall their knowledge effectively. The school is in the process of refining its curriculum across various subjects, with early signs of improvement noted in science and art. Reading is emphasized, with daily lessons that encourage pupils to engage with books suited to their reading levels, contributing to their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior, showing politeness and friendliness towards visitors. Their positive attitudes towards learning are reflected in good attendance rates, with few pupils being regularly absent. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that complement the curriculum, allowing pupils to explore interests such as first aid, drama, and environmental projects.
The acting headteacher is recognized for her passion and dedication, leading the school with a focus on the best interests of the pupils. She has garnered positive feedback from parents and staff, who appreciate her consideration of their workload. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring that pupils feel safe and are educated on how to protect themselves in various situations.
Despite the strengths identified, the school acknowledges the need for further development in the coherence and sequencing of its curriculum in certain subjects. Leaders are committed to addressing these areas, ensuring that pupils understand the skills and knowledge required in each subject. Professional development opportunities for non-specialist staff are also encouraged to enhance their subject knowledge.
Overall, Bellingham Middle School and Sports College is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, aiming to provide a high-quality education that meets the needs of all pupils. The school is well-regarded in the community, and its commitment to fostering a positive learning atmosphere is evident in the experiences shared by its pupils.
