St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy in Bedlington, Northumberland, has undergone a recent inspection, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on January 17 and 18, 2023, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils and staff maintain positive relationships. Personal development lessons taught by tutors foster open discussions on challenging topics, ensuring that pupils feel supported and safe. While bullying does occur, it is managed effectively by staff, and instances of prejudice-based bullying are rare.
The school has implemented a new behavior system that took time for pupils to adjust to, but most acknowledge the consistency with which staff apply the behavior policy. This has led to a reduction in poor behavior disrupting lessons. The leadership team, including governors, demonstrates a deep understanding of the community and has ambitious goals for the pupils, reflected in the improved quality of education.
The curriculum is well-planned, offering a broad range of subjects that provide pupils with a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines. At key stage three, pupils experience a rich curriculum that includes humanities, creative subjects, and languages, while key stage four allows for a diverse selection of subjects under the English Baccalaureate. The sixth form curriculum is specialized, catering for students who continue their education at the school. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge and skills pupils need for future success, particularly in subjects like history and English, where complex themes are explored.
Despite the strengths of the curriculum, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects at key stage three are taught in sufficient depth. Some pupils struggle to retain knowledge over time, although they can articulate how teachers support their learning. The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, involving families in discussions about progress and implementing recommendations from external reviews.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a structured program in place to assist weaker readers. The majority of pupils exhibit good behavior, contributing to a calm learning environment. However, a minority of pupils face challenges with behavior and require additional support. Overall attendance is strong, but some pupils still have attendance rates that need improvement. The school has taken steps to address this by employing extra staff to support families.
The personal development curriculum covers essential topics such as healthy relationships and online safety, but there is room for deeper exploration of British values. The careers program is comprehensive, with plans for work experience opportunities to resume. Staff engagement is strong, with leaders considering workload and listening to staff feedback. Governors possess a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development, ensuring effective oversight.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and address risks. Pupils feel safe and know whom to approach for help. The curriculum equips them with knowledge about risks and safety, particularly regarding online safety and healthy relationships. To further enhance the school, leaders should focus on improving attendance rates for some pupils, expanding extracurricular opportunities for key stage four students, and ensuring the personal development curriculum is quality assured to deepen pupils' understanding of British values.
