Beacon of Light School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 September 2023

Most pupils at Beacon of Light School have previously experienced considerable interruptions to their schooling. Many join with significant gaps in their English and mathematics knowledge. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), study a curriculum that helps them fill many of these gaps. They grow in confidence and re-engage with learning. Pupils gain the knowledge and qualifications they need for the next stage of their education. Pupils understand adults' high expectations for their behaviour. Pupils respect the daily routines, including those around punctuality and uniform. They forge positive relationships with staff. Pupils respond well to adults' firm, calm guidance. Pupils' conduct improves the longer they remain at the school. Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support. They feel safe and are taught how to make safe choices. Pupils rarely experience bullying. When they become anxious, or life gets tough, pupils turn to trusted staff who give them the help they need. This helps pupils to reset and return to their studies. Pupils enjoy and learn a lot from activities, such as those in art, music, sport and land-based studies. These activities broaden pupils' horizons and help them to develop greater self-belief.

What the school should improve

• On occasion, teachers are not thorough in checking or deepening pupils' understanding. Where this is the case, pupils do not achieve as well as they might. Leaders should make sure that teachers check pupils understand what they study before moving on to new learning.
• Some pupils do not develop a love of reading. The school is in the early stages of a renewed strategy to ensure that pupils read widely. Leaders should review the impact of their work and take further steps to ensure that pupils read widely across the curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)