Brooke Weston Academy

Following its recent Ofsted inspection, Brooke Weston Academy has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating. The inspectors found the Corby-based school, which is part of the Brooke Weston Trust, to be highly effective with several outstanding features, including its Sixth-form provision and its approach to the personal development of its students.

The report praised the school in all areas, from the quality of education provided to the behaviour and attitudes of students, to the leadership and management.

The school’s last inspection took place more than 12 years ago when the Ofsted inspection process and criteria were very different to those conducted today. Given the significant changes in the Ofsted inspection framework, the areas and the way judgements are reached are quite different and more challenging than inspections that took place many years ago. The school are therefore incredibly proud of the outcomes under a much more rigorous and very different inspection framework.

Impressed inspectors noted that the vast majority of pupils enjoy their time at the school, valuing the “warm and professional relationships they have with their teachers”.

The report found that “staff share consistently high expectations with pupils regarding behaviour” and that the vast majority of pupils are polite, keen to succeed and behave well. The school was found to be “calm and purposeful” with behavioural issues resolved swiftly and effectively.

The extensive enrichment programme was held up as “exemplary” - enabling pupils to develop their talents and interests, including leadership responsibilities.

Feedback from parents echoed the positive sentiments of the inspectors, noting that parents appreciate the school culture of high aspirations.

The curriculum was praised for being broad and ambitious, EBACC centred, with key concepts presented well, and with regular opportunities for learning reinforcement.

The Sixth-form provision was held up as an outstanding feature of the school, with inspectors observing the highly effective teaching and the “consistently high standard” of work produced by students, who act as role models for the rest of the school, demonstrating positive, respectful attitudes and a strong commitment to their education.

The personal development curriculum was highlighted as another ‘outstanding’ feature of the school. Inspectors commended the many elements that enable pupils to not only feel safe in the community but to see the benefits of actively contributing to society.

Governors and trustees understand and support the school, collaborating well with school leaders. The report concluded that wellbeing and professional development of staff is highly valued and a strength of the school.

Shaun Strydom, Principal of Brooke Weston Academy said: “I am very proud of the outcome of this inspection, particularly in light of the changes made to the Ofsted inspection framework over the past 12 years. The findings make it evident that we are a school that wants the very best for each and every pupil.

“I would like to thank my staff and colleagues from Brooke Weston Trust for continually supporting our endeavour to provide an exceptional educational experience, whilst upholding the high standards that make us the school we are today, that I’m so very proud to lead.

“We are pleased that Inspectors only highlighted one area of improvement. This related to ensuring consistent approaches to assessing student knowledge, an area we are aware of and are currently developing. We are encouraged and energised to keep improving and regain the ‘Outstanding’ rating that we were so close to reaching and are more than capable of achieving.”

Dr Andrew Campbell, CEO of Brooke Weston Trust echoed these thoughts: “I continue to be incredibly proud of everyone at Brooke Weston Academy. Shaun and his team work tirelessly to provide an exceptional education for the entire school community and they are a credit to our Trust.

“I’m excited about the fantastic work being planned to further improve this wonderful school. It sums up the culture across our organisation: High expectations, working together and ambition for all. A bright future awaits everyone at Brooke Weston Academy.”

The full report can be found here: 50235464 (ofsted.gov.uk)