Bluecoat Trent Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 January 2024

Pupils feel happy and safe at this inclusive school. They are courteous and polite. The 'CARE' ethos of citizenship, aspiration, respect and excellence underpins all that the school does. Pupils demonstrate a sense of pride towards their school, which only opened in September 2021. The school is in temporary accommodation, but the environment is calm and purposeful. Staff and pupils are looking forward to moving into their new site on the other side of the city. Clear and consistent routines ensure that pupils behave well and focus on their learning. At social times, pupils show respect to staff and to each other. Incidents of bullying are rare, and pupils know that staff take any concerns seriously. The curriculum demonstrates high ambition for everyone. The school has high expectations of all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils benefit from frequent reading sessions that encourage a love for reading. The school is committed to pupils' personal development, as well as their academic success. It organises a wide range of opportunities so that pupils can explore existing interests and talents, discover new ones, and take on responsibilities. A large number of pupils participate in these activities, including disadvantaged pupils.

What the school should improve

• There is a little variability in the implementation of the curriculum. In some lessons, pupils' understanding is not systematically checked. This means that some pupils are not able to benefit from the content being taught. The school should ensure that the checks made on pupils' learning are used consistently well in all lessons. This will help staff to make appropriate adaptations so that all pupils are able to access the curriculum in full.

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