Biggleswade Academy, located in Bedfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school, which serves pupils aged 2 to 13, is led by Principal Mark Steer and is part of the Life Academies Trust. The inspection took place on May 1 and 2, 2024, and assessed various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The findings indicate that the school excels in several areas, although there are aspects that require improvement, particularly in early years provision.
Pupils at Biggleswade Academy are noted for their politeness and friendliness, embodying the school's virtues of ambition, determination, respect, and integrity. They arrive at school with enthusiasm and thrive in a safe environment, enjoying both social interactions and learning experiences. The school has established a broad and ambitious curriculum that helps pupils build secure knowledge over time. However, there are inconsistencies in the curriculum's implementation, particularly in early years, where some foundational knowledge is not adequately addressed. This gap can hinder children's preparedness for later stages of learning.
The early years provision is divided across two sites, with varying levels of support and expertise among staff. While some areas, such as The Lawns, demonstrate high-quality support for children's learning, others fall short, leading to missed opportunities for effective learning. The school recognizes the need to enhance the quality of early years education by ensuring that all staff receive appropriate training and that curriculum planning begins in nursery and preschool settings.
Biggleswade Academy has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Teachers adapt their teaching methods to ensure that these pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers. The specially resourced provision for pupils with autism is tailored to meet their unique needs, preparing them well for transitions to other educational settings.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with initiatives in place to foster a love of literature from an early age. Daily reading sessions expose older pupils to a variety of high-quality texts, while phonics lessons in early years help develop essential reading skills. Most pupils achieve fluency in reading by the end of key stage one, and older pupils benefit from lessons that expand their vocabulary and reading comprehension.
The school's Education4Life curriculum addresses important topics such as relationships, personal safety, and healthy lifestyles, promoting a respectful and tolerant approach to diversity. Pupils are encouraged to take on roles that develop their character and sense of responsibility, contributing to a positive school culture.
As the school prepares to transition to a primary school in September 2024, leaders are focused on minimizing the impact of these changes on staff well-being. Staff appreciate the training and support they receive, which enhances their skills and expertise. The board of trustees is knowledgeable about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, sharing the ambition to provide high-quality learning experiences for all pupils.
In summary, while Biggleswade Academy demonstrates many strengths, particularly in pupil behavior, curriculum design, and support for SEND, it must address the inconsistencies in early years provision and ensure that all staff are equipped to deliver a high-quality education across all settings. The commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of staff and pupils will be crucial as the school navigates its upcoming changes.
