Brook Sixth Form and Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 November 2024

Pupils are proud to attend this small setting. Staff know pupils well and are always on hand to help them improve their work. Pupils particularly enjoy studying technical courses in subjects such as engineering and media studies. They appreciate the industry-standard equipment available to them in these subjects. Pupils engage positively with project briefs which are designed by employers. Pupils, and students in the sixth form, also study a range of academic GCSEs and A levels. The school has high expectations of pupils' achievement. These expectations are more fully realised in the results of vocational subjects than in academic subjects. Pupils' behaviour is mature and respectful. Pupils say that discriminatory language is not tolerated here. They learn the importance of respecting people who are different from themselves. Boys and the small number of girls interact well. As a result, the school is a calm and purposeful environment where all pupils feel safe. They use study spaces effectively to consolidate their learning. Pupils are exceptionally well prepared to take their next steps. They benefit from high- quality opportunities to experience the world of work. For example, engineering students visit a range of well-regarded employers. When they leave school, pupils progress to well- regarded destinations. These include further education, apprenticeships, and employment.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, particularly at A level, the school does not have a secure understanding of where there are gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills and where refinements to the curriculum need to be made. This impacts on pupils' achievement. The school should strengthen its leadership of the curriculum in these subjects so that it can have a positive impact on pupils' achievement. And

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