Bridgnorth Endowed School, located in Shropshire, underwent an inspection on September 13 and 14, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by headteacher Michael Penn and is part of the 3-18 Trust, which includes a board of trustees and a chief executive officer, David O'Toole. The school has made significant strides in creating an inclusive and aspirational environment for its pupils, who are encouraged to embody values such as kindness, trust, aspiration, resilience, and respect.
Pupils at Bridgnorth Endowed School engage positively in their learning, demonstrating effective collaboration in the classroom and forming strong relationships with staff. The school has successfully enhanced the quality of its curriculum, leading to improved pupil outcomes. A wide range of extracurricular activities is available, allowing students to participate in various clubs and sports, which enriches their educational experience. The school promotes a calm atmosphere conducive to learning, with younger pupils settling in well and older students taking on leadership roles as house and sports captains.
The school takes bullying seriously, implementing systems to address pupils' concerns and ensuring a safe environment. The quality of education is rated as good, with a well-structured curriculum that allows pupils to revisit and reinforce their learning. However, there are instances where teachers advance pupils to new material before confirming their understanding, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
Bridgnorth Endowed School places a strong emphasis on reading and writing, providing pupils with diverse literature and assessing their reading abilities upon entry. Support is offered to those who require assistance in achieving fluency. While the curriculum is effective, there is variability in how well teachers adapt it for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to improve the identification of these pupils' needs.
The school also addresses personal, social, health, and economic education through a well-planned program that prepares pupils for life in modern Britain. This includes discussions on healthy relationships and online safety, as well as moral and cultural education. Careers education is provided, helping pupils prepare for their future, although the school currently does not meet all requirements of the provider access legislation, limiting exposure to a broader range of career opportunities.
Behaviour in lessons is positive, with high expectations set for pupils. Attendance rates align with national figures, and the school actively promotes good attendance. Leaders are mindful of staff workload while driving improvements, providing necessary training and resources. Staff express satisfaction with the collaborative culture within the school.
The school has recently joined the 3-18 Education Trust, which has high ambitions for its development. Trustees and local governing body members are engaged in the school's progress, ensuring effective systems are in place for monitoring improvement. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to ensure that pupils' understanding is consistently checked before progressing in the curriculum to prevent gaps in knowledge. Additionally, the identification of SEND needs requires improvement to ensure all pupils receive appropriate support. Addressing the requirements of the provider access policy for careers education will also be essential for providing pupils with a comprehensive understanding of their future pathways.
