Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Buile Hill Academy on November 16, 2023, following two successive judgments of requires improvement. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since its last graded inspection. The inspection involved discussions with the interim headteacher, senior and middle leaders, trustees, and local authority representatives, as well as meetings with pupils and staff and visits to lessons.
The inspection found that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to achieve a good rating. Key areas for improvement include increasing pupil attendance and ensuring consistent communication and application of behavior expectations. Since the last inspection in June 2022, there have been significant leadership changes, including the departure of the previous headteacher and the appointment of an interim headteacher. The school is also in the process of being re-brokered to another multi-academy trust.
With support from the trust, the curriculum has been broadened and strengthened, offering a greater choice of subjects at key stage 4. Personal, social, and health education, along with religious education, now have dedicated curriculum time. Collaborative efforts across the trust have enhanced understanding of curriculum design and delivery. Subject curriculums are increasingly well-organized, allowing pupils' learning to build logically over time. Essential knowledge is clearly identified, and lessons provide opportunities for pupils to recall and consolidate their learning.
The school has implemented appropriate checks to assess pupils' reading abilities, swiftly identifying those at early stages of reading and providing effective support for phonics and comprehension. Dedicated reading time has been introduced in key stage 3, and pupils are enjoying reading more due to their involvement in selecting library books. However, the positive changes in the curriculum have not yet translated into improved examination results, as 2023 data showed that pupils' progress and attainment at the end of key stage 4 were significantly below national averages. Poor attendance has been a contributing factor to this underachievement.
Pupils in key stage 3 are benefiting from the new curriculum, leading to improved achievement over time. The school is focused on addressing knowledge gaps for current key stage 4 pupils, particularly those in Year 11. However, poor attendance remains a barrier to maximizing the benefits of the improved curriculum. A trust-wide assessment policy has been established, enhancing teachers' expertise in various assessment strategies, which helps identify gaps and inform future learning.
Subject leaders collaborate across the trust to continually develop the curriculum and its implementation. The school has prioritized promoting pupils' personal development, teaching them about safety and healthy relationships, and providing extensive opportunities for extracurricular engagement. Pupils express confidence in discussing their future learning and career aspirations.
Despite efforts to improve behavior, the impact has been inconsistent. The trust has employed additional staff to support pupils and their families in improving behavior, and extensive training has been provided to staff. However, staff are at different stages in applying higher behavior expectations, leading to some pupils continuing to disrupt learning. Suspensions from school remain high.
The trust is committed to enhancing the education provided at Buile Hill Academy and recognizes the necessary steps for further improvement. The action plans developed to support school improvement are deemed sensible and appropriate. The inspection highlights the need for continued focus on attendance and behavior to ensure that all pupils can benefit from the educational opportunities available to them.
