The Duchy School Bradninch, located in Exeter, has been recognized as an outstanding institution following its inspection on May 19-20, 2015. This was the school's first inspection since becoming an academy in September 2013. The school has demonstrated exceptional performance across all areas, including leadership and management, pupil behavior and safety, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils, and early years provision, all rated as outstanding.
The school has shown significant improvement in recent years, with all groups of pupils achieving remarkable progress. This includes the most able pupils, disadvantaged pupils receiving pupil premium funding, disabled pupils, and those with special educational needs. Children in the early years benefit from high-quality teaching, leading to outstanding progress. The leadership team, particularly the head of school, is well-supported by enthusiastic staff committed to advancing the school’s objectives. The governing body provides robust support and constructive challenges to the leadership, ensuring a strong governance structure.
The quality of teaching at the Duchy School is consistently outstanding, with teachers maintaining high expectations that pupils respond to positively. Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, demonstrating a love for the school and acting as ambassadors in the community. They feel safe and well-cared for, enjoying a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development effectively, ensuring pupils understand British values in contemporary society. The curriculum is imaginative and effective, linking various subjects and themes, which enhances pupils' enjoyment of lessons.
During the inspection, the team observed lessons and engaged with pupils and staff, gathering evidence of the school's performance. The inspectors noted that teaching has been outstanding over time, with pupils responding well to the high expectations set by their teachers. The school’s approach to behavior management fosters a harmonious atmosphere conducive to learning, with pupils taking on responsibilities through initiatives like the school council.
The school’s commitment to safeguarding is exceptional, with all staff receiving regular training. Pupils are taught about safety in various contexts, including internet safety. The nurturing environment extends to the before-school nurture club, which supports pupils' well-being and readiness for the school day.
Achievement levels are consistently high, with pupils making outstanding progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school’s results in national tests reflect this success, with pupils well-prepared for their transition to secondary education. The school effectively supports disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring they make excellent progress. The few disadvantaged pupils benefit from targeted support, achieving similarly to their peers.
In early years provision, children make outstanding progress, often exceeding expected levels by the end of Reception. The teaching staff work collaboratively to create a stimulating learning environment, promoting independence and social skills among children. The leadership in early years is strong, with a focus on continuous improvement and effective assessment practices.
Overall, the Duchy School Bradninch exemplifies excellence in education, with a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment for all pupils. The school’s achievements and the dedication of its staff contribute to its outstanding status, ensuring that pupils are well-equipped for their future educational journeys.
