Peel Brow School, located in Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, underwent its first inspection under the Education Act 2005 on November 28 and 29, 2023. The school, which is part of the Vision Multi Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Deborah Christiansen. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also receiving the same rating. However, the areas of behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were rated as good, alongside early years provision.
Pupils at Peel Brow School express pride in their school, describing it as friendly and welcoming. They feel well cared for by the staff, who prioritize their health and well-being. During discussions with inspectors, students highlighted the positive changes made to the quality of education, particularly appreciating the new behavior system that has been implemented. They reported that the school provides valuable support to help them build confidence in their learning. Pupils strive to meet the school’s high expectations and are beginning to acquire a solid foundation of subject-specific knowledge across various subjects. However, some students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, still experience gaps in their learning, which affects their progress.
The school community is committed to making Peel Brow the best it can be. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and are eager to assist their peers. They understand fundamental British values, such as democracy and mutual respect, and feel well-prepared for life in modern Britain. The school offers a variety of clubs and opportunities for students to represent the school in numerous events and activities.
The inspection report noted that the trust's support has initiated rapid improvements in the curriculum, although the journey is ongoing. In certain subjects, pupils benefit from a well-structured and ambitious curriculum that builds on their prior learning, leading to higher achievement. However, in other subjects, the school is still refining the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn and retain over time. This lack of clarity has resulted in some pupils not learning as effectively as they should.
The school has made strides in enhancing the expertise of its leaders and staff through ongoing training, which has led to improved delivery of the curriculum. In subjects where the curriculum is well-designed, staff effectively assess pupils' understanding and address misconceptions. However, in subjects where the curriculum is not yet finalized, staff face challenges in using assessment strategies effectively.
Peel Brow School has prioritized early reading instruction, with staff sharing a diverse range of high-quality books and stories to engage children. While pupils generally read books that match their phonics ability, there are instances where some staff do not provide adequate support for reading practice, hindering progress and fluency.
Pupils, including those with special educational needs, show enthusiasm for learning. Staff are quick to identify the additional needs of these pupils and are increasingly making appropriate adaptations to the curriculum. However, some pupils with special educational needs still face similar learning gaps as their peers.
Overall, the school has fostered positive attitudes towards learning, with pupils concentrating well in lessons and showing respect for one another. The school has made efforts to improve attendance rates, resulting in more pupils attending regularly and on time. The supportive pastoral team provides a safe space for pupils to discuss any issues they may face.
The inspection concluded that while the school has made significant progress, there are areas that require further improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed academically. The school is encouraged to continue building on its recent curriculum enhancements to ensure consistent achievement for all students.
