Pilton Bluecoat Church of England Academy, located in Barnstaple, Devon, has recently undergone an inspection on the 8th and 9th of November 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The head of school is Mathew Harts, and the school operates under the Team Multi-Academy Trust, which is overseen by CEO Ian Thomas and a board of trustees chaired by Paul Ginnings.
The school environment is described as nurturing, where pupils feel happy, safe, and proud. High expectations are set for all students, fostering a culture of kindness and care. Parents express overwhelming support for the school, appreciating the numerous opportunities provided for their children. The school emphasizes the broader development of pupils, aligning with its motto of life, love, and learning to the full. Various leadership roles are available for pupils, such as ethos ambassadors, who promote school values and recognize peers who exemplify these values. The school prepares students for life in modern Britain, ensuring they understand the importance of their voices and participation in democracy, highlighted by experiences such as a residential trip to the Houses of Parliament.
Pupils benefit from strong pastoral support, with a designated safe space known as the school yurt, where they can share concerns. The school has designed a broad and ambitious curriculum, with staff receiving training to enhance their subject knowledge. In subjects like physical education, focused training helps teachers deliver effective lessons. Assessment practices in many subjects are utilized to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where immediate checks help rectify misconceptions. However, some subjects lack the precision needed in assessment, leading to gaps in knowledge for certain pupils.
A strong reading culture is promoted within the school, with high-quality texts selected to expose pupils to diverse genres and authors. While a phonics scheme is in place to support early readers, some pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, do not receive adequate support to develop their reading skills effectively. This can result in challenges for these pupils in their learning journey.
Teachers adapt lessons to assist pupils with special educational needs, but in some cases, the support provided is insufficient. Learning targets for these pupils may not be precise enough, hindering their progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating good attitudes towards learning. Attendance rates are high, reflecting the school's commitment to promoting regular attendance.
The school is ambitious in promoting pupils' wider development through initiatives like the big events curriculum, which focuses on community building and self-esteem. Pupils engage in various enriching activities, including learning musical instruments and participating in community outreach, such as reading to younger students at a local school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Pilton Bluecoat Church of England Academy are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the effectiveness of assessment in certain subjects and the support provided to pupils with special educational needs. The trust is encouraged to ensure that all pupils receive the necessary support to thrive academically and develop their knowledge securely. Overall, the school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
