Brymore Academy
Cannington, Bridgwater, TA5 2NB
Cannington, Bridgwater, TA5 2NB
Pupils
339
Ages
11 - 17
Gender
Boys
Type
Academy Sponsor Led
Head Teacher
Mark Thomas
Brymore Academy in Bridgwater is a unique school that caters to 339 boys aged between 11-17. The school has a strong academic performance, with 9% of students achieving high scores and 45% meeting the medium cohort in key stage 2. The school also provides excellent pastoral care, with a focus on inclusivity and discipline.
For students with Special Educational Needs, Brymore offers support for dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ASD, with almost half of the boys having additional needs. The school provides a range of extracurricular activities, including agricultural and horticultural practice, music, drama, and sports.
The atmosphere at Brymore is described as family-like, with a strong emphasis on manners, respect, and hard work. Parents are impressed with the school’s communication and supportive environment. The school’s practical and hands-on learning approach helps boys find their strengths and gain confidence.
Brymore Academy offers a unique and outstanding educational experience, with opportunities for personal and academic growth. The school’s focus on practical and technical farming and horticultural skills sets it apart from other schools. In conclusion, Brymore Academy provides a nurturing and enriching environment for boys to thrive and succeed.
For more information and to experience the school first-hand, prospective parents can attend upcoming open days at Brymore Academy.
Students Reaching
Expected Standards
54%
National Average: 65%
Students Reaching
High Standards
25%
National Average: 11%
Brymore Academy, located in Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on February 27 and 28, 2024. The school maintains its overall judgement of good, with indications that it could achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were conducted. The headteacher, Mark Thomas, leads the school, which is part of the Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust, overseen by trust leader Peter Elliott and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Berry.
Pupils at Brymore Academy take pride in their identity as ‘Brymore Boys,’ embodying the school’s values of respect and hard work. They engage visitors with politeness and interest, reflecting the positive ethos of the school. Students report that their time at the school has been transformative, contributing significantly to their personal development. In the classroom, pupils are encouraged to work diligently and take risks in discussions, fostering a supportive learning environment. Instances of bullying are rare, and students feel confident in the support available from trusted adults within the school.
The school sets high expectations for its pupils, who actively participate in various aspects of school life. The ‘four cornerstones’ of the school inspire students across all year groups to strive for excellence. Older pupils engage in practical experiences, such as working on the school farm and managing their own plots in the walled garden. They also participate in sports teams and learn valuable skills in engineering, welding, and blacksmithing through a comprehensive development programme. The school community is actively involved in organizing events like the annual country fair, showcasing their commitment to collaboration and leadership.
Brymore Academy has developed an ambitious and well-structured curriculum, which is regularly evaluated and revised. Teachers ensure that pupils frequently revisit and reinforce their knowledge, leading to strong retention of information. In subjects like mathematics, teachers effectively support students in mastering essential concepts, fostering confidence in their learning abilities. In agriculture and horticulture, pupils gain hands-on experience, learning about seasonal changes and the processes involved in harvesting and pressing apples.
While the school offers a specialist curriculum that includes land skills and engineering, it does not provide the full suite of subjects for the English Baccalaureate. Nevertheless, pupils excel in published outcomes, demonstrating strong progress in English and mathematics, which prepares them well for Level 3 qualifications in their future education.
The school has a significant number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders ensure that the needs of these pupils are clearly communicated to staff, who adeptly adapt their teaching to provide necessary support. This inclusive approach results in high performance among pupils with SEND, contributing to a positive learning environment for all.
Pupils are encouraged to read widely, with the school closely monitoring their reading progress. Early readers receive timely assistance to support their development. Careers education is integrated throughout the curriculum, exposing pupils to a variety of career options through expert visits and workshops. The personal, social, health, and religious education programme addresses important topics, including relationships and sex education.
Leadership opportunities abound for pupils, who can take on roles such as Head of Department in horticulture or become ambassadors within the school. These responsibilities are highly valued and allow students to contribute meaningfully to the school community. Feedback from staff, parents, and pupils highlights the inspirational culture at Brymore Academy, underscoring its commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe and nurturing atmosphere for all students.
Last Updated: 9 December 2024
The Great British Schools Guide (published by Great British Schools Guide Limited) is currently in launch mode.
We would be grateful if you could email data@greatbritishschoolsguide.com if you find any inaccuracies or would like to update your listing. Thank you.
Comparing, saving and returning to your favourite schools is just a click away