Samuel Whitbread Academy, located in Bedfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 2 and 3, 2023. The school provides a supportive environment where pupils express happiness and pride in their academic and extracurricular opportunities. The community values the school's commitment to sports and the arts, allowing all students to participate at various levels. High expectations are set by leaders and teachers for all pupils, including those in the sixth form and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The diverse curriculum is seen as a strength, and pupils appreciate the variety of subjects available to them.
Safety is a priority at Samuel Whitbread Academy, with rare instances of bullying that are addressed promptly. Pupils feel secure and know they can seek help from staff if needed. Positive behavior is observed in lessons and throughout the school, although some pupils required additional support to readjust to routines after the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders have implemented new policies to assist with this transition.
The school excels in providing a well-rounded education, with a strong vision shared among leaders at all levels. The curriculum is broad, although the uptake of subjects that comprise the English Baccalaureate is below average. Leaders have made improvements in areas with historically limited participation. The teaching quality is generally high, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and using assessments effectively to gauge pupil learning.
However, there are a few subjects where the learning experience could be enhanced. In these areas, teachers may not consistently check pupil understanding or address misconceptions, which can hinder learning progression. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all teachers routinely verify what pupils have learned and correct any misunderstandings.
The school has a robust approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs, starting the identification process before they join the school and continuously reviewing their needs. Pupils with SEND are provided with an ambitious curriculum, and teachers adapt their methods based on the information provided by leaders, which helps these pupils achieve well.
Reading is prioritized across the curriculum, with opportunities for pupils to engage in reading activities during lessons and tutor time. Leaders quickly identify pupils who struggle with reading and provide support to help them improve, resulting in increased confidence and enjoyment in reading.
While behavior in lessons is generally positive, there are instances of low-level disruption that can distract from learning, particularly when teaching is less effective. Leaders have introduced new strategies to help pupils focus, which are beginning to show positive results. Although behavior is mostly orderly around the school, some concerns remain regarding the conduct of a small number of pupils in communal areas. Leaders are aware of these concerns and are actively working to address them.
The personal development curriculum is well-structured, integrating tutor-time activities with assemblies and dedicated lessons. This program effectively addresses pupils' needs, covering essential topics such as equality, diversity, and relationships. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports and music, with sixth-form students taking leadership roles in mentoring younger pupils.
Staff feel valued and supported, with opportunities for professional development and collaboration. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained staff who can identify and report concerns. Overall, Samuel Whitbread Academy continues to provide a good quality of education, with areas identified for improvement to enhance the learning experience for all pupils.
