Oasis Academy Connaught is a primary academy located in Knowle West, Bristol, which has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection in 2016. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior and welfare, outcomes for pupils, and early years provision. The leadership team, including the principal and deputy principal, has demonstrated a strong commitment to raising educational standards, resulting in pupils making good progress across the curriculum. The school has established a robust culture of safeguarding, ensuring that the safety and well-being of students are prioritized.
The school’s community engagement is commendable, with staff understanding the local context and tailoring their approaches to meet the needs of pupils and their families. The multi-academy trust, Oasis Community Learning, provides valuable support and challenge to the school, contributing to its ongoing improvement. Middle leadership is developing as a strength, although it requires further time to fully realize its potential. The school has successfully improved attendance rates and reduced exclusions, with pupils exhibiting positive behavior and attitudes towards learning.
In terms of teaching quality, the school has implemented effective monitoring and high-quality training for teachers, leading to improved teaching practices. Teachers are knowledgeable about their pupils and generally plan lessons that cater to their needs. However, there are instances where teachers do not sufficiently consider what pupils already know when planning next steps in learning. The teaching of mathematics, particularly in promoting literacy, needs to be consistently applied to enhance pupils' understanding.
Pupils at Oasis Academy Connaught achieve good outcomes, with progress in reading, writing, and mathematics being above or in line with national averages at key stage two. The school has made notable strides in writing, with a significant percentage of pupils reaching greater depth in their work. Phonics teaching is particularly effective, helping pupils with low speech and language skills to make rapid progress. The school has a high proportion of disadvantaged pupils, and their outcomes are comparable to those of their peers nationally.
The early years provision is strong, with children making good progress from low starting points. Leaders effectively monitor the quality of teaching and engage parents in their children's learning. The curriculum is well-planned, providing engaging activities that reflect children's interests and needs. The outdoor learning environment supports children's development, particularly in writing and numeracy.
Overall, Oasis Academy Connaught has made significant improvements since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and further enhance the educational experience for its students.
