Waycroft Academy, located in Stockwood, Bristol, underwent an inspection on June 4 and 5, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Adam Smith, leads the school, which is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, overseen by CEO Steve Taylor and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Olomolaiye.
Pupils at Waycroft Academy demonstrate a strong work ethic and engage enthusiastically in lessons. The learning environment is calm and purposeful, allowing students to reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement. The quality of education has notably improved, aligning well with the robust pastoral support provided to students. The school has prioritized curriculum development based on the analysis of published pupil outcomes from 2023, resulting in substantial positive changes in teaching and learning practices.
The school promotes values of readiness, respect, and resilience, which are embraced by the pupils. Behavior is generally good, with high expectations set by staff. Instances of bullying are addressed promptly, and students who face behavioral challenges receive compassionate support. Leadership opportunities, such as participation in the school tech team and school council, empower pupils to contribute to school improvement. The wellbeing team, led by students, plays a vital role in supporting the mental health of their peers and fostering a sense of community.
Waycroft Academy's curriculum is ambitious and comprehensive, covering the full breadth of the national curriculum. Subjects are well-structured and sequenced from Nursery to Year 6, with a clear focus on the incremental knowledge pupils need to acquire. In mathematics, for instance, early years students learn to recognize odd and even numbers, which lays the foundation for more complex concepts in later years. Assessment practices in English and mathematics effectively identify gaps in learning, allowing for targeted support to help pupils catch up when necessary.
While the phonics program is effective, enabling children to start reading as soon as they enter Reception, some areas of the wider curriculum lack impactful assessment methods. This has led to challenges in helping pupils connect their current learning with prior knowledge. In early years, children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, benefit from nurturing relationships and a strong emphasis on developing communication and language skills. The school has invested in outdoor learning opportunities, enhancing children's engagement with the natural world.
Despite the strengths, there are areas for improvement. The assessment approach in some subjects does not provide sufficient information on what pupils have learned, hindering staff's ability to address knowledge gaps effectively. Additionally, support for pupils with special educational needs lacks clear measures for assessing progress, limiting the evaluation of the effectiveness of this support.
The school has recently joined a new multi-academy trust, which has provided valuable expertise to strengthen the curriculum and support school leaders. Staff members report feeling well-supported, with a strong team ethos and pride in their work. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Overall, Waycroft Academy has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement in educational quality and student wellbeing. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the identified areas for development to further enhance the educational experience for its pupils.
