Berwick Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 February 2024

The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve. It works hard to improve the quality of education that pupils receive. The school provides teachers with regular training and development. However, many pupils do not achieve well. They do not acquire the depth of knowledge and understanding they need for later learning. Most pupils behave well. This is a calm and orderly school. Pupils are safe here. When bullying or other serious behaviours happen, the school deals with them well. However, in some lessons, pupils' behaviour and attitudes are not positive. A small number of pupils disrupt lessons, and others show a lack of commitment to their learning. The school supports individual pupils well, particularly those pupils with specific needs. However, some pupils feel that the school does not take their views into account. Several pupils say they do not enjoy school. A significant minority do not attend school often enough. The school provides pupils with a wide range of clubs and activities, including sports, Lego robotics, and a green car club. Pupils take part in educational visits that extend their learning. They take on roles such as rewards leaders and sports leaders. In the sixth form, some students take part in social action projects to improve the environment.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers, including in the sixth form, do not systematically check pupils' understanding. They do not select learning activities effectively enough to secure and deepen pupils' knowledge. The school should build on its professional development programme for teachers. It should ensure that teachers develop the pedagogical content knowledge that allows them to secure a deep and coherent body of knowledge for pupils.
• Levels of absence and persistent absence are high, particularly for pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. This means that some pupils are missing a significant amount of their education and have gaps in their knowledge and understanding. The school should take further steps to improve pupils' attendance so that all pupils can achieve their full potential.
• Trustees do not provide leaders with sufficient challenge around improvements to pupils' attainment, progress and outcomes. This means that key areas for improvement are not prioritised with enough urgency. Trustees should ensure that they hold leaders to account with greater focus and rigour, including evaluating provision against national benchmarks.

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