Bishop Barrington Academy, located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has undergone its first inspection since opening in September 2021. The inspection, conducted on June 25 and 26, 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The headteacher, Grant Sowerby, leads the school, which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership multi-academy trust.
Pupils at Bishop Barrington Academy are noted for their welcoming nature and positive behavior, which is fostered through the school's emphasis on the 'Barrington way.' This approach encourages students to make positive choices in their behavior and learning, leading to a significant reduction in incidents of poor conduct. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including various clubs that cater to diverse interests, ensuring accessibility for all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The school places a strong emphasis on community involvement, with pupils participating in local cultural experiences and holding leadership roles within the school, such as on the school council. This involvement helps students develop a sense of responsibility and connection to their community. Academically, the school has high expectations for student achievement, and while many pupils are meeting these expectations, there is recognition that previous cohorts did not achieve as well as they could have by the end of key stage four.
The curriculum has been significantly improved since the school's inception, addressing previous weaknesses that hindered student preparedness for future education or employment. Staff now have higher expectations for student performance, and the curriculum has been redesigned to enhance understanding across all subjects. However, the benefits of these improvements are not yet fully reflected in published outcomes, as the first cohort to experience these changes was in Year 10 when the school opened.
Teachers at the academy are well-trained and possess strong subject knowledge. They employ effective strategies to deliver the curriculum, ensuring that students regularly revisit key content to aid retention. However, some gaps in knowledge remain due to past curriculum weaknesses, and while the school conducts regular assessments to monitor student understanding, there are instances where teachers do not fully utilize this information to address knowledge gaps promptly.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to access the ambitious curriculum effectively. The school has also implemented measures to support pupils in alternative provisions, which have proven beneficial for those students. Despite these strengths, attendance remains a concern, with a significant number of pupils regularly absent, impacting their learning. The school is actively working to improve attendance through targeted support for families.
Careers education and guidance at the school are effective, with events such as careers fairs providing valuable information to students and parents about future opportunities. The governance of the school is strong, with the trust board providing effective oversight and support, contributing to the school's ongoing improvements. The safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
In summary, Bishop Barrington Academy has made significant strides since its opening, demonstrating a commitment to high standards in education and student development. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and the consistent use of assessment information, the school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory.
