Bedminster Down School, located in Bristol, has undergone an ungraded inspection on November 29 and 30, 2023. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The headteacher, Louise Davies, leads the school, which is part of the Futura Learning Partnership, overseen by CEO Andrea Arlidge and a board of trustees chaired by Malcolm Broad.
In the classroom, pupils demonstrate a strong focus on learning, adhering to high behavioural expectations set by the school. However, during social times, some students exhibit poor behaviour, prompting staff to maintain a strong presence to manage incidents effectively. Pupils report feeling safe and have access to adults for support regarding their concerns. Despite this, bullying incidents are not uncommon, and the school is actively addressing this issue through a new anti-bullying pilot scheme aimed at training staff and students.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and well-being clubs, which are promoted through events like freshers' fairs. Pupils are encouraged to participate in showcases, such as the Christmas show, and all students have the opportunity to camp on Dartmoor, providing unique experiences. The school also hosts various speakers and performers, particularly for career-related events, from Year 7 onwards.
The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, with teachers frequently assessing pupils' recall to enhance long-term retention of knowledge. However, a concerning trend is noted in Key Stage 4, where only a minority of pupils opt to study a language, limiting the number of students pursuing the full suite of English Baccalaureate qualifications. The school provides targeted support for early readers, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary assistance for their specific reading needs.
To address attendance issues, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, the school has recently implemented a new strategy. Low attendance has resulted in gaps in knowledge, hindering pupils' ability to keep pace with their peers. The school is committed to providing interventions for these students, although the effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, as recent outcomes for pupils with poor attendance were low.
The school effectively utilizes alternative provisions for pupils requiring additional support, ensuring that their needs are met. The off-site provision, known as 'The Lamp,' has been relocated back to the school site, allowing for better integration of support services. Teachers are equipped with the necessary information to assist pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, employing consistent strategies to ensure timely support.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is tailored to meet pupils' needs, covering relevant topics such as knife crime and online safety. The careers programme provides pupils from Years 7 to 11 with insights into various career paths and further education options, including work experience and university visits.
Despite recent leadership changes, the trust is providing support to ensure stability within the school. Staff report a growing sense of stability, and governors are equipped to ask challenging questions regarding school performance. Safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must address the lack of respectful behaviour during social times, which has led to incidents of poor conduct. Additionally, the trust needs to ensure that the new attendance improvement systems are fully embedded to enhance overall pupil engagement and learning outcomes.
