Edward Bryant School, located in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, has been evaluated as a good institution following its inspection on December 13 and 14, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive environment where pupils are encouraged to be a credit to both their school and community. The behavior of the students is commendable, with kindness and respect being evident in their interactions with peers and staff. The establishment of a Pupil Parliament has empowered students to take initiative in promoting inclusivity through initiatives like buddy benches and a Happy Helpers scheme, ensuring that every pupil has someone to turn to for support. Instances of bullying are rare, and the school has effective measures in place to address any concerns that may arise, contributing to a safe and nurturing atmosphere.
Pupils express happiness and enthusiasm for their learning experiences, which are designed to be both engaging and accessible. The curriculum is ambitious, with a focus on making learning irresistible. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, and staff maintain high expectations for all students, adapting lessons to meet diverse needs. This personalized approach allows pupils to thrive academically, particularly in subjects like mathematics and reading, where they achieve high standards. Teachers are proactive in identifying learning gaps and providing necessary support, ensuring that all pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language, make significant progress.
The curriculum is well-structured across various subjects, with careful planning by subject leaders to build on prior knowledge. However, some misconceptions among pupils have not been adequately addressed, leading to gaps in understanding that can hinder future learning. In early years education, leaders collaborate closely with teachers to enhance vocabulary development, providing a balanced mix of teacher-led and child-led activities that align with educational goals.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with leaders ensuring that teachers can identify specific needs and make appropriate adaptations. This enables these pupils to learn alongside their peers and make progress. The school has also established a dedicated base for students with more complex needs, ensuring they receive the additional support required while still engaging with the standard curriculum.
Pupil behavior is exceptional, with staff effectively teaching self-regulation skills. This foundation is laid in early years and continues throughout the school, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility. Pupils take pride in their work and demonstrate a strong commitment to their learning.
Leaders have successfully prioritized personal development, educating pupils about diverse cultures and fostering engagement with parents and the local community. The school’s values of resilience, respect, and pride are evident in the students' attitudes and actions. Communication with parents is strong, with many expressing positive feedback about the support provided, particularly for pupils with special educational needs.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. Pupils are educated on maintaining safety, including understanding healthy relationships and online safety.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Teachers occasionally move on to new material before ensuring that pupils have fully grasped previous concepts, leading to gaps in knowledge. Leaders need to focus on identifying essential knowledge for future learning and supporting teachers in verifying that this knowledge is securely learned. Additionally, while professional development has emphasized core subjects, there is a need for teachers to gain confidence in the specific pedagogical approaches required for foundation subjects. Overall, Edward Bryant School is a commendable institution that provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
