Perry Court E-Act Academy, located in Hengrove, Bristol, was inspected on January 26 and 27, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005, as the school had not been previously inspected.
The school is described as a welcoming and friendly environment where pupils feel confident and proud. They adhere to the ‘Perry’ rules, which encourage them to consider the impact of their actions on others. Older students appreciate their roles as councillors and head boy and girl, contributing to a sense of responsibility. The leadership and staff foster an atmosphere where pupils feel valued and listened to, promoting their health and mental well-being, particularly for those with complex needs. As a result, students report feeling safe at school.
The curriculum is designed to help pupils learn effectively and aspire to high standards. Leaders emphasize personal development, and pupils demonstrate knowledge of significant topics such as equality and privacy, showing confidence in challenging discrimination. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, resulting in smooth lesson flow with minimal disruptions. Instances of bullying and unkind behavior are rare, and parents express strong support for the school and its staff.
Leaders are ambitious for all pupils and have developed a curriculum focused on essential knowledge and vocabulary. Teachers carefully plan to deepen pupils’ understanding over time, particularly in subjects like history, where they build on prior learning. Continuous improvements are made to the curriculum, especially in mathematics, where learning is broken down into manageable steps, aiding comprehension. In physical education, resources are adapted to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their success.
However, the implementation of the curriculum varies across subjects, with some activities not effectively deepening pupils’ understanding of key concepts. This inconsistency can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding. A new phonics program has been introduced, and teachers are well-trained, using assessment data to support pupils needing extra help. While early reading is improving, tracking of independent reading choices in key stage two is insufficient, with some books not challenging enough for pupils.
Leaders accurately identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing timely support for those with speech and language difficulties. The school promotes positive attitudes towards learning, and pupils behave well in various settings. They are developing into responsible community members, with lessons on prejudice and equality integrated into the curriculum.
Leaders encourage healthy and active lifestyles through various activities, including residential trips and sports matches, which pupils enjoy. Trust leaders are knowledgeable about the school’s operations and hold leaders accountable for performance while considering staff well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to report concerns and thorough record-keeping ensuring pupils receive necessary support.
To improve, the school needs to address the variability in curriculum implementation across subjects and ensure that all pupils’ needs are considered in lesson planning. Additionally, leaders should prioritize tracking independent reading choices to ensure that pupils are engaged with appropriately challenging texts. Overall, Perry Court E-Act Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
