Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics, located in Lowestoft, Suffolk, was inspected from May 8 to May 9, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with outstanding leadership and management. The headmaster's clear vision focuses on supporting pupils' achievements both academically and in extracurricular activities, leading to significant improvements in the quality of education. Staff effectively implement this vision, contributing to a positive school environment where morale is high. The leadership team is aware of their strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that new leaders receive strong support to maintain the school's upward trajectory.
Governors possess a clear understanding of the school's strengths and provide effective support and challenge to the leadership team, facilitating rapid improvement. Staff express pride in their work and appreciate the professional development opportunities available to them. The progress made by pupils has improved considerably, particularly in mathematics, where they demonstrate strong advancement. Pupils take pride in their school, exhibiting a welcoming and respectful demeanor, and their behavior is commendable.
The curriculum is a key strength of the school, offering a wide range of curricular and extracurricular activities. Leaders prioritize pupil welfare and safety, ensuring that their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is well supported. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs receive effective support, with additional funding utilized to enhance their progress. However, the impact of various initiatives funded by the pupil premium grant is not reviewed closely enough.
The quality of teaching is generally good, with teachers receiving strong support from teaching assistants. However, there are inconsistencies in the effectiveness of whole-class questioning, which does not always deepen pupils' understanding. While progress in science has improved, it remains weaker compared to other subjects, and some technology subjects are not improving quickly enough.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the overall quality of teaching by ensuring that questioning techniques are more effective in assessing and responding to pupils' knowledge. Additionally, high-quality teaching should enable pupils to make progress in science and technology comparable to their achievements in other subjects. The rigor of planning for the pupil premium grant should be improved by incorporating clear, measurable outcomes to evaluate the impact of initiatives effectively.
The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, with a strong focus on raising expectations for both staff and pupils. The school has established a challenging curriculum that promotes deep learning and understanding. Pupils engage in a variety of activities that foster their personal development, and they feel safe and supported within the school environment. The school has a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff trained to identify and address potential risks to pupils.
Overall, Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with effective leadership, a supportive environment, and a focus on continuous improvement. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for further development, ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
