Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Many pupils, and their parents and carers, consider it a privilege to attend Bishop Rawstorne. Some travel from far and wide to do so, rarely missing a day. Pupils know that they benefit from a high standard of education, which extends beyond their curriculum subjects. For instance, pupils are encouraged to speak out about injustices in their local communities and the wider world through advocacy and charitable acts. They put these experiences on an equal footing with their academic learning. Staff know pupils very well. They use this knowledge to reduce any barriers to learning and wellbeing as far as they can. Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive highly effective support. They, along with their peers, enthusiastically rise to meet the school's high aspirations. Pupils typically achieve very well at this school. Recent years' GCSE results have been consistently above national averages in many subjects, including for pupils with SEND. Pupils are delighted when staff reward them for upholding the school's values. They make the most of the many meaningful opportunities to contribute to the school community and serve their peers as leaders. Prefects and student mentors wear their badges with pride. The wealth of positive experiences that the school offers helps pupils to develop into confident, articulate and independent young people, ready to take their place in society. Most pupils behave well and treat each other with respect. They recognise that staff will keep them safe and act in their best interests when they report any problems or worries. The school deals with bullying effectively. However, this was not always the case in the past. Because of this, a minority of older pupils do not believe that the school will take their concerns seriously. This makes it difficult for staff to resolve some incidents of derogatory language.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should reinforce their approaches to anti-bullying education, and the means for pupils to report incidents of derogatory language, in order to restore the confidence of some pupils in the school's actions. • Leaders should strengthen the mechanisms by which they analyse the impact of the school's personal development and pastoral care provision. This will better ensure that pupils who may need different approaches can benefit equally well.

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