North Star 82° is a good school located in Henbury, Bristol, and is part of the North Star Academy Trust. The head of the school is James Wookey, and the trust is overseen by Kaye Palmer-Greene, the chief executive officer, and a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Hornsby. The school serves pupils aged 5 to 11, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school provides a supportive environment where pupils can find sanctuary, safety, and success, particularly for those who have experienced instability in their education.
Pupils benefit from the dedication of skilled staff who foster strong, trusting relationships, promoting a sense of belonging that contributes to a calm and safe atmosphere. The learning experience is carefully planned to engage pupils and help them catch up academically, leading to improved outcomes and a sense of achievement. Staff are well-trained to manage complex behaviors and attitudes, ensuring that positive relationships are established and maintained. Discriminatory behavior is not tolerated, which has led to significant improvements in pupils' behavior and attitudes towards learning.
Parents and carers express positive views about the school, noting the positive impact it has on their children. However, there is room for improvement in involving parents more actively in their children's learning, as individual plans for pupils are often too general and lack specificity. The school has a clear rationale for its curriculum, focusing on broadening pupils' experiences and enhancing their understanding of language from the moment they arrive. Strong collaboration between curriculum leaders and therapists ensures that individual language needs are addressed in all lessons, particularly benefiting pupils' progress in reading and writing.
The school is committed to continuous improvement, with effective actions taken in various subjects, particularly in mathematics, where the curriculum is well-structured. Teachers build on pupils' existing knowledge through carefully sequenced lessons, resulting in good achievement. Assessment practices are effective, especially in established subjects like English and physical education. However, in some newer subjects, pupils' learning is less secure, leading to gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding historical contexts beyond their immediate community.
Reading is prioritized, and staff are trained to support pupils who may have developed negative attitudes towards it. Reading abilities are assessed upon entry, and pupils are grouped to learn alongside peers with similar needs. This approach allows pupils to read books that match their learning levels, fostering independence and success in reading, which many pupils previously thought unattainable.
The governance provided by the trust is robust, with effective systems in place for reporting and accountability. Trustees receive comprehensive information about the school's strengths and areas for development, enabling them to support and challenge school leaders effectively. This governance has helped maintain educational standards despite significant changes over the past year.
Pupils' personal development is promoted through a well-rounded curriculum that includes discussions on beliefs and values. They learn about fundamental British values and participate in democratic processes, such as voting for school council members. Staff well-being is also prioritized, contributing to a positive working environment where staff feel valued and proud to be part of the school community.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that curriculum planning and teaching are consistent across all subjects. Individual plans for pupils need to be more specific and measurable, allowing for meaningful parental involvement in supporting their children's learning. Overall, North Star 82° continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
