Redland Green School, located in Bristol, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good across various aspects of education, behavior, personal development, and leadership. The school is led by headteacher Ben Houghton and is part of the Excalibur Academies Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The school has maintained a strong reputation, having been previously rated outstanding seven years ago under a different inspection framework. The recent inspection, conducted on December 6 and 7, 2023, confirmed that the school continues to provide a high-quality education, particularly noting the outstanding provision in the sixth form.
Pupils at Redland Green School express enjoyment in their educational experience, demonstrating motivation and resilience in their learning. The school fosters an environment where students are encouraged to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes. The sixth form students are particularly noted for their understanding of the importance of independent study and are well-supported by teachers in this regard. The school promotes a strong sense of belonging among its students, who identify with the ethos of being part of Redland Green School. High expectations for behavior contribute to a calm and purposeful atmosphere in lessons, where positive relationships between pupils and staff are evident.
The school offers a diverse enrichment program that includes activities such as cheerleading, non-contact boxing, and computer animation, which are integral to the students' development. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, allowing them to engage in activities that align with the school’s values of respect, ambition, and responsibility. The sixth form students have a particularly strong voice in shaping their experiences, with activities tailored to their interests and needs.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require attention. Leaders are committed to continuous improvement and have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, with a broad range of subjects available to sixth form students. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the full curriculum.
However, some subjects lack detailed outlines of what pupils will learn, which can hinder their understanding. Additionally, while assessment practices are generally effective, there are instances, particularly at key stage three, where assessments do not accurately reflect pupils' understanding, leading to misconceptions. The school recognizes the need to enhance the precision of assessments to better inform teaching and learning.
Reading is actively promoted within the school, with a dedicated library space that students enjoy. However, some pupils still struggle to develop a habit of reading for pleasure. The school maintains a respectful and inclusive environment, celebrating diversity and teaching pupils about online safety and healthy relationships. High-quality careers advice is provided, ensuring students are well-informed about their future pathways.
The safeguarding arrangements at Redland Green School are effective, contributing to a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, the school demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while recognizing the need for ongoing improvements in specific areas, particularly in assessment practices and curriculum clarity. The positive culture and strong leadership contribute to the school’s reputation as a supportive and effective educational institution.
