Merchants’ Academy, located in Withywood, Bristol, has received an alarming report from Ofsted following its inspection on March 19 and 20, 2024. The academy, which serves students from nursery through to sixth form, has been rated as Inadequate across all key areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, early years provision, and sixth-form provision.
The Ofsted report highlights several critical issues affecting the academy:
Behavior and Safety Concerns: The report indicates that pupils' learning is severely compromised by poor behavior. There has been a notable increase in incidents of fights and assaults among older students, creating an unsafe environment. Many pupils defy staff requests, leading to a chaotic atmosphere that undermines the educational experience.
Low Attendance Rates: Attendance at Merchants’ Academy is alarmingly low, with many students missing significant amounts of school. This has resulted in substantial gaps in their knowledge, particularly in foundational subjects like reading and mathematics. The curriculum has not effectively addressed these gaps, leaving many students behind.
Inadequate Support for Vulnerable Pupils: The report emphasizes that the school has not adequately supported pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Expectations for these students are deemed too low, and many do not receive the full curriculum alongside their peers. This lack of support has hindered their ability to thrive academically.
Weak Leadership and Management: The leadership team, including headteachers Geeta Verrell and Guy Swallow, along with the interim chief executive officer of the Venturers Trust, David Moran, has been criticized for failing to implement effective strategies to improve behavior and attendance. The trust has not demonstrated the capacity to bring about necessary improvements, relying heavily on external support.
Safeguarding Failures: The safeguarding arrangements at the academy have been deemed ineffective. The report states that the trust has not established a culture of vigilance, leaving pupils at risk of harm. Concerns raised by staff have often gone unresolved, and there is a lack of confidence in the school’s ability to protect its students.
Despite the overwhelming negative feedback, the inspection did identify some positive relationships between staff and pupils. Many students reported that there are trusted adults within the school whom they can approach with their concerns. Additionally, primary-aged pupils have shown positive responses to clearer expectations set by staff.
To address these significant challenges, the Ofsted report outlines several recommendations for the academy and the Venturers Trust:
- Establish a Culture of Vigilance: The trust must ensure that all staff are trained to recognize and report signs of risk among pupils, fostering a safer environment.
- Implement Consistent Behavior Management: A clear and consistent approach to managing behavior is essential to restore a sense of safety and order within the school.
- Improve Attendance Strategies: The trust should develop a coherent strategy to enhance attendance and punctuality, which are critical for academic success.
- Raise Expectations for All Pupils: Staff must be encouraged to have high expectations for all students, particularly those with SEND, to ensure they receive the education they deserve.
The recent Ofsted inspection has raised serious concerns about the quality of education and the overall environment at Merchants’ Academy. With the school now classified as requiring special measures, it faces an urgent need for reform to ensure that all pupils receive a safe, supportive, and effective education. The trust's ability to implement these changes will be crucial in determining the future success of the academy and its students.
