Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy, located in Croston, Leyland, Lancashire, underwent its first inspection by Ofsted on November 16 and 17, 2021, since its conversion from Bishop Rawstorne Church of England High School. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, with specific areas of strength identified in behavior and attitudes, which were rated outstanding. The quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated good. The school has a strong foundation, having previously been judged outstanding before its transition to academy status.
The inspection highlighted the positive environment at Bishop Rawstorne, where pupils demonstrate warmth and courtesy towards one another. The school promotes a strong sense of belonging, and pupils take pride in their uniforms. Relationships between pupils and staff are built on mutual respect, and pupils feel safe and happy in their school environment. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, both in lessons and around the school, with high expectations set by teachers. Pupils engage actively in their learning and show resilience and motivation, achieving well across the curriculum, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum is designed to provide a wide range of academic subjects, particularly in key stage four, where a significant number of pupils study the English Baccalaureate suite. The school ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stages of their education, with strong achievements noted by the end of Year 11. In key stage three, leaders have carefully considered the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn, resulting in well-organized curriculum plans that build on prior learning effectively.
However, the inspection also identified areas for improvement. In a small number of subjects in key stage three, the curriculum content was not as ambitious as it should be, which hindered some pupils' learning. Leaders are committed to addressing these weaknesses and have plans in place to strengthen the curriculum. Additionally, while most pupils read fluently and confidently, a small number struggle with reading. Although skilled staff provide support, the school's systems do not always identify gaps in phonics knowledge quickly enough, leading to some pupils not accessing the curriculum as effectively as they could.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff well-trained to recognize and report concerns about pupils at risk. Leaders work closely with external partners to ensure that pupils and their families receive the necessary support. The personal development curriculum effectively addresses issues that may make pupils feel unsafe, including online safety.
Staff at Bishop Rawstorne are proud to work at the school and feel respected and supported by leaders. The school is well-led and managed, with governors holding leaders accountable for the quality of education provided. The school community is recognized for its efforts to develop pupils' character and provide enriching cultural experiences that prepare them for modern life. Overall, Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy is a school that fosters a positive learning environment, encourages high standards, and is dedicated to continuous improvement in its educational offerings.
