Bearbrook Combined School, located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023. The headteacher, Marcus Faulkner, leads the school, which is part of the Great Learners Trust, overseen by interim chief executive officer Lorraine Greco and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Westaway. The school has a welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel safe, respected, and proud of their environment. They report that teachers are kind and supportive, contributing to a culture where bullying and poor behavior are rare. When instances of bullying do occur, they are addressed promptly by staff.
The school promotes independence and confidence among all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Older students have opportunities to develop leadership skills through various roles such as prefects, ambassadors, and peer mentors. The school council and eco-committee allow pupils to contribute positively to the school and the wider community. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil achievement and have developed an ambitious curriculum that aims to meet the needs of all students. While most pupils achieve well across subjects, the school is actively working to enhance the curriculum to ensure that every pupil can reach their full potential.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Pupils engage with a wide range of subjects and the school has focused on improving outcomes in reading and mathematics. Leaders have implemented structured learning activities that help pupils develop their skills, particularly in mathematics, where regular calculation work enhances fluency. The school is also making strides in developing other curriculum areas, although there is still work to be done to clarify how pupils will acquire subject-specific knowledge as they progress through the school.
Communication and language skills are prioritized from the earliest stages of education. Adults model language and play effectively, helping children expand their vocabulary. Reading is emphasized, with high-quality texts chosen to support pupils' understanding of various topics. Children begin learning to read in pre-school, where they enjoy engaging with stories, songs, and rhymes. From Reception onwards, phonics instruction is well-structured, and teachers are trained to identify and support pupils who may fall behind, ensuring that most catch up successfully.
In lessons, teachers actively check pupils' understanding, particularly in subjects like mathematics, where pupils enjoy a step-by-step approach to learning. However, in some subjects, there is a need for improvement in how teachers assess pupils' understanding before introducing new concepts. This gap can lead to difficulties in connecting new knowledge with prior learning, hindering overall progress.
Pupils with special educational needs benefit from well-planned activities and learn alongside their peers. Teachers demonstrate a strong understanding of how to meet the diverse needs of these pupils, providing appropriate support to ensure their success. The school fosters positive relationships among pupils, who learn to accept and celebrate each other's differences. Their behavior is commendable, both in lessons and throughout the school.
Attendance and punctuality are high priorities for the school, with leaders working diligently to build positive relationships with families to address any barriers to attendance. Initiatives like Family Fridays invite parents to engage with the school community and learn about their children's education.
Staff members express pride in working at Bearbrook, appreciating the support they receive from school leaders. The mental health and well-being of both staff and pupils are prioritized, contributing to a positive working environment. The trust and governing body provide a balanced approach to support and challenge, ensuring that leaders are well-informed about the school's needs.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to improve by ensuring that the specific knowledge pupils need to learn is clearly sequenced and that teachers consistently check pupils' understanding before progressing to new topics. This will help to build a stronger foundation for learning and ensure that all pupils can achieve their best outcomes.
