Venturers’ Academy, located in Bristol, is a special free school catering for pupils with autism, all of whom have an education, health, and care plan. The school serves students primarily from Bristol City Council, along with those from neighboring local authorities. The recent inspection conducted on May 14 and 15, 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while behavior and attitudes, personal development, and sixth-form provision received a Good rating. Leadership and management, along with early years provision, were rated as Requires Improvement.
The inspection highlighted that pupils benefit from positive relationships within a caring environment. Staff are dedicated to helping students communicate and interact more effectively. However, the overall quality of education is not yet satisfactory, as the school has recognized that expectations for pupil achievement were previously too low. Although there have been improvements in curriculum planning and a renewed focus on reading, the implementation of these changes has been inconsistent, leading to variable expectations and outcomes for pupils.
The school environment is generally calm and purposeful, but pupils can exhibit challenging behaviors due to their individual needs. Staff are well-acquainted with each pupil and their specific requirements, which allows them to establish trusting relationships. Each pupil has an individual plan to help manage their behavior, and this approach has led to significant improvements over time. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils report feeling happy and safe, knowing that staff care for them. The school promotes character development and self-confidence, preparing pupils for the transition to adulthood.
Venturers’ Academy is currently undergoing a transition aimed at improving its provision. Recent changes in leadership and staff, along with an impending merger of the overseeing trust, have left some members of the school community feeling unsettled. Not all staff and parents are clear about the reasons for these changes, which has affected their confidence in the school. Despite these challenges, the school has made effective use of external evaluations to enhance its curriculum, which is still in development. While curriculum planning has improved, its implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in the early years.
Pupils often rely heavily on staff support, which can lead to a lack of independence in their learning. Some students struggle to retain key knowledge and do not achieve as well as their peers. Reading has become a priority, and a common approach to teaching early reading has been implemented. However, inconsistencies in the pronunciation of sounds by staff have hindered pupils' ability to blend sounds independently.
Despite these challenges, the school has strengths in areas such as physical education and personal, social, and health education. Staff are well-equipped to meet the needs of pupils with autism, utilizing various communication strategies to help them engage with their surroundings. Pupils’ personal development is fostered through strong relationships and a focus on individual needs, leading to improved social skills and meaningful friendships.
The school has recently sought to improve attendance, which has declined since the pandemic. Strategies to support families and enhance attendance are in the early stages of implementation. The sixth-form curriculum has been revamped, offering ambitious programs that align with students' interests and aspirations, contributing to successful transitions into further education or employment.
Overall, while Venturers’ Academy has made strides in certain areas, it faces challenges in ensuring consistent curriculum implementation, building community confidence, and improving attendance. The school must focus on these areas to enhance the educational experience for its pupils.
