St Bartholomew's Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 February 2026

Pupils are incredibly proud to attend St Bartholomew’s. They feel safe and well cared for. Pupils take great pride in their school environment. From the tiny ladybirds in the forest corridor to the inviting social areas, the school environment fosters a sense of belonging for staff and pupils. The school’s values of ‘Believe, Belong, Become’ shine through in everything that everybody does. Leaders’ high expectations help pupils to behave well. Pupils have impeccable manners, which are carefully modelled for them by staff. Pupils understand that 'manners open doors'. They know what bullying is and that there are consequences if it were to happen. As a result, it rarely does. These high expectations of behaviour begin in the early years, where pupils learn the routines and settle in quickly. There are increasing opportunities for pupils to join clubs and take on important roles in school. For example, darts club is popular with pupils and teaches them a range of important skills. The newly formed junior leadership team is beginning to have a voice in school life. Pupils learn about tolerance, celebrate diversity and are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Staff know pupils and their families very well. Leaders are building firm relationships with parents and carers. Historically, pupils’ attendance has been poor. However, it is now improving. Pupils enjoy learning. However, outcomes in national assessments at the end of key stage 2 show that pupils do not achieve well enough. Some pupils, including those with special educational needs and or/disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, have gaps in the basic skills they need. Teaching does not consistently identify and address these gaps. Some adaptations to reduce barriers to learning are not effective enough. This means that too few pupils are well equipped for their next stage of education. Leaders have made significant improvements to the school in recent times. Staff, pupils and parents value these changes.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should strengthen the quality of teaching so that it consistently meets pupils’ individual needs and is adapted effectively when needed, so that all pupils make secure progress relative to their starting points.
• Leaders should ensure that gaps in pupils’ foundational knowledge and skills, in reading, writing, mathematics and communication, are identified and closed swiftly so that all pupils can achieve highly across the curriculum.
• Leaders should strengthen their work to broaden further the personal development offer so that all pupils experience a wide range of opportunities within and beyond school, and contribute more to the school and wider communities.

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