The Brunts Academy, located in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, underwent an inspection on September 19 and 20, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, alongside the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. However, the sixth-form provision received a good rating. The headteacher, Rachel Sutcliffe, leads the school, which is part of the Greenwood Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Wayne Norrie and chaired by Mike Hamlin.
The school has established high expectations for pupil achievement and behavior, which most students meet. Recent changes aimed at improving the school have been positively received, contributing to a sense of safety among pupils. Reports indicate that bullying is no longer a significant issue, and attendance is generally good, with students taking pride in their work. The school environment is typically calm, although some pupils noted ongoing disruptions to learning due to inconsistent behavior management by teachers. A notable minority of students expressed reluctance to report inappropriate behavior, indicating a lack of confidence in staff responses to such incidents. New reporting systems are in place but are still in the early stages of implementation.
The school is recognized for its ambitious and well-structured curriculum across all subjects, including the sixth form. Clear curriculum plans are designed to build on prior knowledge, and teachers are subject specialists who effectively break down learning into manageable segments. However, there are concerns regarding the consistent use of assessment to identify and address gaps in pupil knowledge, which can hinder progress. Reading is prioritized, with efforts to foster a love of reading through a well-resourced library and dedicated reading time. The school is in the process of enhancing its reading program, particularly for pupils needing additional support.
Most pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) access the same curriculum as their peers, and staff generally support them effectively. Sixth-form students appreciate the guidance provided by teachers, and there are opportunities for them to engage in volunteer work, such as becoming reading buddies or sports leaders. The school is beginning to see positive changes in rewarding good behavior, although attitudes towards learning remain inconsistent. Some pupils reported disruptive behavior from peers, and not all teachers apply the behavior policy uniformly, leading to instances of bad language and disrespect.
Leaders have introduced a new personal development program, including a well-planned personal, social, and health education (PSHE) curriculum, which is still being implemented. Careers education is of high quality, providing pupils with valuable information about various pathways. However, participation in extracurricular activities is low, and pupils struggle to recall key messages about British values and protected characteristics.
Communication with parents has been identified as an area needing improvement, with some parents feeling inadequately informed about school policies and decisions. Leaders are committed to enhancing communication to keep parents updated on the school's initiatives and improvements. The inspection highlighted the need for further development in curriculum delivery, consistent behavior management, and fostering a culture of respect and tolerance within the school community. Overall, while the school is on a path of improvement, there are significant areas that require attention to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
