Bottisham Village College, located in Cambridge, underwent an inspection on March 26 and 27, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school, which is part of Anglian Learning and led by Principal Jenny Rankine, has seen significant changes since its last inspection, which occurred 12 years ago when it was rated Outstanding. The recent inspection highlighted several areas needing improvement, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management.
The school sets high expectations for student success, and many pupils perform well academically, developing a range of skills. However, support for students with special educational needs and disabilities is inconsistent, and the new school day structure is still being adjusted. While some classes are engaging, others do not utilize time effectively, impacting student learning. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and arts, which are well-received by students.
Pupil safety and well-being are prioritized, with most students feeling happy and behaving appropriately. Anti-bullying strategies are in place, but incidents of bullying still occur, and some students are hesitant to report issues due to a lack of confidence in the school's response. Although there have been improvements in managing poor behavior, low-level disruptions persist in some classes.
The curriculum is broad and includes all national curriculum subjects, with a good selection of examination subjects available for Years 10 and 11. Teachers generally demonstrate strong subject knowledge and assess students effectively. However, some departments are still adapting to recent changes in lesson structure, which has led to challenges in maintaining student engagement during longer lessons. The school promotes reading well, with a well-stocked library, but support for struggling readers, particularly older students, is less developed.
Leadership for special educational needs has improved, but students with SEND do not always receive the necessary support in class, affecting their behavior and academic progress. The school has introduced additional provisions for these students, offering tailored support in core subjects. Despite a decrease in classroom removals, some low-level disruptions continue, indicating a need for more effective behavior management strategies.
Personal development programs are strong, with a focus on personal, social, and health education. Students demonstrate a good understanding of respect and inclusivity, contributing to improved behavior. The school has undergone considerable changes in recent years, and staff appreciate the support provided during this transition. New policies and procedures have been implemented, but their effectiveness is still being evaluated.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bottisham Village College are effective, ensuring student safety. However, the school must address the need for consistent implementation of anti-bullying procedures and support for students with SEND. Continued development of the new curriculum is essential to enhance lesson effectiveness and student engagement. Overall, while the school has strengths, particularly in personal development and extracurricular offerings, it faces challenges that require focused attention to improve educational outcomes for all students.
