Beckmead College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 April 2024

Staff are dedicated to making a difference to the lives of pupils here. They provide a nurturing environment where pupils are safe and have the chance to succeed. Many pupils arrive at the school with a negative experience of education. Staff give pupils the individual time, care and attention that they need for pupils' confidence and resilience to develop. As a result, pupils feel at ease and start to enjoy their learning here. For some pupils when they join the school, it can take time to settle in and adjust to the routines and high expectations of the school. Staff are skilled in managing pupils' behaviour. They are patient and caring. Staff work hard to forge positive working relationships with pupils and their parents and carers. Pupils appreciate what staff do to support them. For example, at a recent assembly to celebrate 'International Women's Day', pupils read out poems and stories about staff to thank them. The curriculum is much more than the subjects that pupils study. Pupils have access to a range of therapies and mentoring opportunities which help them to manage their emotional well-being, behaviour and develop social skills. Pupils enjoy spending time in school on activities such as boxing, athletics and robotics.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, learning is not as well matched to pupils' needs and abilities as it could be. Where this is the case, staff do not routinely consider what pupils already know and can do. This means that, at times, pupils complete work that they can do easily and they are not moved on in their learning. Leaders should continue their work to support and develop staff so that learning is consistently tailored to the individual needs of pupils.
• Pupils who struggle with reading do not receive the precise support they need to be able to read fluently and with confidence. Leaders should continue with their plans to implement a new programme of tailored support for these pupils and to ensure that this support is delivered effectively.
• At times, the PSHE and RSE programme lacks precision regarding when and how specific aspects of statutory content should be taught. Leaders, including those responsible for governance, should ensure that programmes for PSHE and RSE are planned and delivered consistently.

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