North Brent School, located in Wembley, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening. The inspection took place on March 6 and 7, 2024, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education provided is also deemed good, while the behavior and attitudes of the pupils are rated as outstanding. Personal development is similarly rated as outstanding, and leadership and management are considered good. The school is part of the Wembley Multi-Academy Trust, which includes shared responsibilities among the trust's leadership.
Pupils express pride in their school and appreciate the supportive nature of their teachers, contributing to a safe and happy learning environment. They demonstrate respect towards one another and maintain positive interactions with adults. The school has established high expectations for its pupils, fostering an environment where almost all students meet these standards, with some achieving exceptionally high levels of success. The curriculum is ambitious, with a focus on meaningful learning experiences that include a variety of extracurricular activities such as clubs for Mandarin, football, and drama.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Some pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, struggle to keep pace with the curriculum, which affects their retention of knowledge. The school recognizes the need for additional support for these students, but some are not receiving the necessary assistance to thrive academically. Furthermore, while many pupils are enthusiastic readers, a few are not yet fluent, and the support provided for developing reading fluency lacks sufficient focus.
The school has implemented clear expectations and routines, allowing pupils to take responsibility for their behavior. They understand the importance of learning from mistakes and are generally well-behaved with minimal supervision. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school works with families to address any issues that arise, ensuring that pupils attend regularly and punctually.
Pupils receive personalized attention regarding their future aspirations, including career guidance and industry visits, which helps them articulate their goals and understand the qualifications needed to achieve them. The school emphasizes cultural appreciation through visits to museums and other cultural sites, enhancing pupils' understanding of their learning in the classroom. The curriculum also includes comprehensive teaching on personal relationships and safety, which is prioritized by school leaders.
Staff members feel valued and supported, with leaders responsive to their concerns and workload challenges. However, there have been periods of staffing instability, which has affected the oversight of key areas, particularly regarding the needs of pupils with special educational needs. The school must ensure that the practices to support these pupils are consistently applied and that leaders are held accountable for their progress.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is aware of the areas needing improvement, particularly in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and in enhancing reading support for those who require it. Overall, North Brent School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while recognizing the need for ongoing development in specific areas to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential.
