Bourton Meadow Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 November 2024

From the beginning of early years, staff have the highest expectations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils take great pride in meeting these expectations. In reading, writing and mathematics, many pupils achieve highly and are exceptionally well prepared for their next stage of education. Pupils are very proud of their school. They know and understand the school's values deeply. Pupils spoke confidently about respect, resilience, curiosity and integrity and how values such as these are important to them. Pupils treat each other kindly. Pupils are encouraged to be responsible, respectful citizens. They thrive through many opportunities such as 'guardians' and reading mentors, who help younger pupils with phonics and learning to read. Pupils feel safe and are happy. They have strong, positive relationships with staff and each other. Pupils know who to speak to if they have any worries. Pupils know how to keep themselves safe online. Pupils learn about e-safety regularly and understand about issues such as cyberbullying. Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. On the playground, pupils cooperate harmoniously. They know the school's rules and routines well. Pupils line up, take turns and listen respectfully. Staff use the school's behaviour policy effectively and with a sensitive, caring approach.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects in the wider curriculum, precise curriculum knowledge is still being refined to make sure that what pupils are taught builds successfully on their prior learning. As a result, in some subjects, pupils' understanding is deeper and more detailed than it is in others. The school should continue its work to identify and sequence the most important knowledge in each subject so that pupils revisit and strengthen this over time.
• The school's effective use of assessment is not fully developed. In some subjects, staff do not identify whether pupils have developed the depth of knowledge and understanding that is intended securely. The school should ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and expertise to be able to consistently check that pupils have a deep and secure understanding of what they have been taught and how this connects to broader concepts, making suitable adjustments to the curriculum where this is not the case.

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