Preston School Academy in Yeovil, Somerset, underwent an inspection on January 10 and 11, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good, a significant improvement from its previous grade of requires improvement. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing an ambitious education for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders foster an aspirational environment where pupils are encouraged to strive for their best, contributing to a happy and inclusive school community.
The school has established high expectations for pupil behavior, supported by clear routines known as the Preston Way, which effectively minimize disruptions during lessons. Pupils report that bullying is infrequent and express confidence in staff to address any incidents, contributing to a sense of safety within the school. However, there are instances of derogatory language among pupils that staff may not always recognize.
Preston School Academy offers a diverse curriculum centered around enterprise, aiming to connect learning with real-life applications. While the number of pupils studying English Baccalaureate subjects is below government targets, it is gradually increasing. Leaders have meticulously planned the curriculum, ensuring that content is logically sequenced to enhance pupils' understanding over time. Nonetheless, some subjects lack detailed curriculum content, which could hinder comprehensive learning.
Teachers are well-informed about the needs of pupils with SEND, allowing them to tailor support effectively. Various strategies are employed to assess pupils' knowledge and understanding, enabling teachers to adapt their instruction accordingly. The curriculum for pupils with autism is ambitious and appropriately modified to meet their needs, ensuring they are well-prepared for future endeavors.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with pupils engaging with a wide range of texts and receiving support to improve their reading skills. Most pupils display a positive attitude towards their lessons and exhibit good manners while navigating the school environment, although a minority occasionally misbehave.
The school effectively addresses pupils' wider development, covering essential topics such as online safety, drug awareness, and cultural diversity. The careers program is a notable strength, providing pupils with valuable work experience opportunities through partnerships with local employers. Extracurricular activities, including sports and the arts, enrich the curriculum, although attendance at these activities is not systematically monitored.
Since the last inspection, governors have enhanced their understanding of the school's priorities and have taken steps to address staff well-being, resulting in positive feedback regarding workload. While staff generally receive appropriate training, there is a need for more focused professional development to deepen subject knowledge.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with strong relationships between staff and pupils facilitating the identification of concerns. Pupils are aware of safety risks and know how to seek help. The school collaborates effectively with external services when necessary. However, leaders should enhance their analysis of safeguarding trends over time to improve evaluation and planning.
To further improve, the school should enhance its professional development program to provide more opportunities for staff to develop subject expertise, addressing any gaps in curriculum understanding. Additionally, leaders should implement systematic methods to analyze safeguarding patterns, which will aid in their ongoing evaluation and planning efforts. Overall, Preston School Academy is making commendable progress in providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils.
