Brinsworth Academy, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 2 and 3, 2022. The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere that promotes inclusivity and support for all students. Teachers are dedicated to the well-being of their pupils, ensuring that they strive for excellence. Parents echo this sentiment, highlighting the school's commitment to going the extra mile for their children, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership team actively seeks feedback from pupils, staff, and parents, fostering a collaborative environment that strengthens community ties.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a generally positive learning environment with minimal disruption during lessons. Pupils enjoy their social interactions during breaks, although there are occasional instances of derogatory language, which the leadership is addressing through consultations and a revised behavior strategy. Brinsworth Academy offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities that help develop pupils' respect, responsibility, and resilience, referred to as the three Rs. Students appreciate the variety of sports clubs and the quality of computing facilities available to them.
The curriculum at Brinsworth Academy is designed with high ambitions for all pupils, taking into account their interests and aspirations. Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum to ensure that it aligns with the national curriculum's breadth and scope. However, some subjects at key stage three lack sufficient depth in certain areas. Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, although some plans could benefit from more detailed academic strategies. The school effectively identifies pupils struggling with reading and provides support to enhance their comprehension and fluency. Nonetheless, the assistance for a few pupils at the earliest stages of reading could be more focused on phonics.
At key stage four, pupils have access to a diverse range of subjects, although only a small percentage study the English Baccalaureate subjects. Leaders are working to integrate the EBacc into the curriculum while maintaining a broad selection of subjects. Careers guidance is embedded within the personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum, providing pupils with valuable information for their future pathways.
Brinsworth Academy prioritizes the wider development of its pupils, offering weekly ethics lessons and a robust approach to safeguarding. Leaders are aware that some pupils lack knowledge of different faiths, and a new curriculum for religious studies is being implemented to address this gap. Overall, the school environment is calm and focused, with most pupils behaving respectfully towards one another. While there are efforts to tackle instances of derogatory language, the leadership is committed to refining the behavior policy through collaboration with stakeholders.
Staff well-being is also a priority for the leadership team, which regularly seeks feedback and makes adjustments to support staff workload. New teachers report feeling well-supported and benefit from the training provided. The governance structure has undergone significant changes, enhancing the school's leadership and accountability. The inspection concluded that Brinsworth Academy continues to be a good school, with clear areas for improvement identified, particularly in curriculum depth and reading support for early learners. The school is well-positioned to build on its strengths and address these challenges moving forward.
