Bedford Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 March 2023

Pupils are happy and safe as leaders have established a culture where pupils are listened to. Staff build strong relationships with pupils so know their individual needs well. Those pupils who need it value the 'access centre'. This provides a welcoming safe space where pupils can access additional support with learning, or with any worries or concerns. Pupils study an ambitious curriculum, where they have enough time to embed important knowledge. They build their subject knowledge effectively from Year 7 to Year 11. Students in the sixth form can study for a range of qualifications. Pupils leave with a suitable foundation for future study or employment. Most pupils now achieve well. Where pupils do not achieve as well as they might, they experience some pockets of inconsistency in how well the curriculum is taught. Pupils behave well. They follow the clear expectations that leaders have set. Leaders track any incidences of discrimination carefully, including bullying. Pupils have confidence that where any issues occur, they are followed up effectively. Pupils benefit from a range of inspiring wider opportunities. These include the 'super curriculum experience' which includes a variety of trips, visits, mentoring and work experience opportunities.

What the school should improve

• There are still a small number of subjects where teaching is less effective, and pupils achieve less well. This is because leaders have not identified carefully enough where teachers need further training and support to develop their pedagogical or subject knowledge. Leaders need to ensure that all teachers get the targeted support they need to improve their practice, so that all pupils achieve well across the full curriculum.

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