Clevedon School rated Good by Ofsted despite closing 22 classrooms

A secondary school in Clevedon has been rated "Good" by Ofsted despite the challenge of having to close 22 classrooms last year. Clevedon School, which was rated "Outstanding" for personal development and "Good" overall in a recent Ofsted report, had to close more than a quarter of their building space last September amid "structural safety" fears.

Inspectors said: "The school’s motto, ‘Be kind, be brilliant’, is at the heart of Clevedon School. Staff are ambitious for all.

"The curriculum is broad, with some bespoke programmes where appropriate. Staff inspire learning beyond merely preparing pupils for examinations. Consequently, pupils achieve well and go on to meaningful destinations."

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The report went on to praise pupils' behaviour: "Pupils understand the ‘Clevedon Way’ expectations well. They demonstrate them throughout the school day.

"Pupils stay focused in lessons and understand what is expected of them as they move around the school. On the rare occasion that learning is disrupted, pupils respond well to teachers’ quick reminders."

The school, which is part of the Futura Learning Partnership multi-academy trust, was also found to be friendly and inclusive: "Pupils are friendly and welcoming at this inclusive school. They have strong relationships with staff and feel safe.

"Sixth-form students are positive role models and support younger pupils well."

Despite the positive response, Ofsted did suggest two areas for improvement: adapting the curriculum more effectively for children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), and developing their approach to reading. The report continued: "The curriculum is not always adapted well enough to ensure that all pupils learn effectively, particularly those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND.

"Therefore, some pupils do not achieve as well as they could. The trust should ensure that the curriculum and teaching methods support all pupils to achieve well."

In regards to reading, inspectors wrote: "The school’s strategies to support pupils who need additional help with reading are not effective for all. This means that some pupils do not develop their confidence, fluency and enjoyment of reading. The trust should develop its approach to reading to ensure that all pupils read widely and often."

Headteacher Jim Smith said: “I am very pleased that this report opens by stating ‘Be Kind Be Brilliant’ which is at the heart of the school as it reflects what we strive for every day. For personal development to be recognised as outstanding, is a reward for all the hard work that goes on, both in and out the classroom.”

Mr Smith continued: “All reports make recommendations and our self-evaluation agreed with the OFSTED team that we can make sure that every pupil is supported to develop a love of reading and to flourish in their learning.”

Futura’s Chief Executive Andrea Arlidge said: “This report reflects the hard work that takes place daily at Clevedon School. The excellent staff and amazing pupils create a very special and inclusive school.

“I am delighted for the community. We are proud to support the school and very appreciative of all that it contributes to our Trust and we look forward to all we can go on to achieve together.”

Clevedon School is a mixed-gender secondary comprehensive with a Sixth Form. It teaches pupils aged between 11 and 18.