Ernest Bevin Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils are safe and well cared for at this school. They value the advice and support they get from staff, whether it be with their academic work, next steps or any personal concerns. Pupils are mostly positive about changes that have taken place since the school opened. They understand that decisions are made with their best interests in mind, including the raised expectations around behaviour. Pupils typically behave well and can focus on their learning without disruption. Bullying is dealt with appropriately. Pupils on the whole do not have concerns about disrespectful behaviour or inequality. Female students in the sixth form are welcomed and feel comfortable here. The school fosters a sense of unity and belonging through its values and inclusive culture. Staff encourage pupils to be sensitive to individual differences and pupils with barriers to their learning. As a result, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, feel confident to participate in school life and are not afraid to make mistakes in lessons. Relationships between pupils and staff are respectful. Staff model manners and positive social interactions in their conversations with pupils. Pupils also see the shift in expectations for the work they produce. This means that pupils across the school, including in the sixth form, generally achieve well. They develop secure subject content knowledge and skills across most subjects. Pupils want to learn and are ambitious for their futures. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Leaders offer a range of reward trips as well as educational visits in some subjects, such as geography. They have plans to develop these further. Enrichment opportunities include music club and various sports, which are popular across year groups. Pupils speak with pride about their involvement in the school’s established army cadet programme, which provides opportunities for character development and leadership.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to improve curriculum delivery across the school, including refining adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, so that the curriculum and teaching are consistently of high quality and all pupils achieve highly.
• Leaders should strengthen their communication with staff, parents and carers to ensure that the rationale for changes being made is commonly understood and supported by the whole school community.

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