Ofsted conducted a remote visit to The Cotswold Academy on November 5, 2020, to assess the school's response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was part of a broader initiative to understand how schools are managing the return to full education after an extended period of disruption. The visit was not an inspection and did not involve graded judgments or the usual range of inspection activities, such as classroom observations or reviewing students' work. Instead, the focus was on discussions with the principal and senior leadership team regarding the school's actions since the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
During the visit, it was noted that Year 7 students began the new school year on September 2, 2020, while all other year groups returned on September 3, 2020. Attendance levels were reported to be broadly in line with the previous year, indicating a successful reintegration of students into the school environment. The school has maintained its full curriculum, although leaders have made adjustments to the order of learning content. For instance, certain activities, such as geography field trips and whole-class music lessons, have been rescheduled to later in the academic year.
The leadership team has proactively identified students who require additional support in their learning. Teachers are actively checking students' understanding and helping them address gaps in knowledge. For example, some students participate in after-school study sessions where subject leaders provide targeted instruction in core subjects like English, mathematics, and science. In specific subjects, teachers are emphasizing practical components that students may have missed during the previous term, utilizing tools like visualisers in design and technology classes to enhance learning.
Students in Years 10 and 11 are borrowing textbooks from the school library to aid their preparation for GCSE examinations. They are also encouraged to attend after-school study sessions and catch-up classes in various subjects, including drama and religious education. Sixth-form students continue to engage with their A-level studies, and teachers are sharing assessment results with both students and their parents. Some sixth-form students are receiving additional support through one-on-one tutoring sessions to help mitigate the impact of learning disruptions caused by the pandemic.
The school has developed plans for remote learning should the need arise for students to study from home. These plans incorporate a variety of resources, including live streaming of lessons and the use of textbooks, ensuring that students have access to quality education regardless of their circumstances.
Overall, the visit did not reveal any significant concerns regarding the school's operations during this challenging period. The insights gained from this visit will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, helping to inform future educational policies. The leadership team at The Cotswold Academy has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining educational standards and supporting students' learning needs in the wake of the pandemic. The collaborative efforts of the staff and the proactive measures taken to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 reflect a strong dedication to the educational welfare of the students. The findings from this visit will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including the governing body and local education authorities, to ensure transparency and ongoing improvement in the education sector.
