St Bede Academy, located on Morris Green Lane in Bolton, Lancashire, recently underwent its first Ofsted inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on October 24 and 25, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Good, showcasing the school's dedication to providing quality education and fostering a positive environment for its pupils.
The inspection highlighted several strengths of St Bede Academy. Firstly, the school has revitalized its curriculum in recent years, ensuring it is well-structured and builds progressively from the early years through to Year 6. Staff dedication to ongoing training has contributed to a positive learning atmosphere.
Secondly, pupils at St Bede Academy are notably happy and engaged. They feel heard and valued, actively participating in initiatives aimed at improving their local community. Their recent campaign to increase accessible green spaces demonstrates their commitment to social responsibility.
Furthermore, the school promotes a culture of respect and responsibility, with pupils adhering to the St Bede Way, emphasizing positive behavior and community involvement. This has created a calm and orderly environment conducive to learning.
St Bede Academy offers a well-rounded personal, social, and health education curriculum that prepares pupils for life in a diverse society. Opportunities for trips and cultural experiences enrich their learning and personal growth.
Additionally, the school is attentive to the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staff are skilled in identifying and addressing these needs, ensuring that all pupils can thrive alongside their peers.
While the inspection report was largely positive, it did identify some areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the school has not sufficiently monitored the implementation of revised curriculums, leading to uneven knowledge among pupils. The school is encouraged to enhance its systems for checking curriculum delivery for consistency across all subjects.
Moreover, although assessment methods are well-established in most subjects, there are instances where checks on pupils' learning are not as effective, resulting in gaps in knowledge going unaddressed. The school should focus on refining its assessment strategies to better identify and support pupils' learning needs.
In conclusion, St Bede Academy stands out as a nurturing and effective educational institution with a strong commitment to the personal and academic development of its pupils. The recent inspection underscores the school's achievements while providing a roadmap for future enhancements. With its dedicated staff and engaged student body, St Bede Academy is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success and community impact. For more information about St Bede Academy, visit their website at www.stbedeacademy.org.
