The Basildon Upper Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2023

Pupils say that everyone is valued here and treated with respect. Pupils appreciate the guidance and support that the school gives them to be the best they can be. As a result, there are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils also get on well with each other. Pupils are, however, frustrated that others sometimes disturb their learning in lessons. There are a wide range of clubs and opportunities for pupils to contribute to the school and local community, for instance as charity ambassadors. This develops pupils' self-confidence. Well-chosen visitors help pupils learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. Pupils in key stage 4 are well prepared for their next steps. They learn about a range of careers and, like students in the sixth form, they can study a range of vocational courses. Teachers usually adapt work well so that pupils can access the curriculum, especially pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) who attend the school's own provision also receive highly effective support that improves their behaviour and well-being.

What the school should improve

• Some teachers are not ambitious enough in their expectations of what pupils in key stage 4 can learn. As a result, pupils do not always build up the depth and breadth of knowledge that they need to achieve as well as they should. The school should ensure that all teachers are ambitious in the work they set pupils, so that pupils build up a wide range of detailed knowledge.
• Although the school has increasingly high expectations of how pupils conduct themselves, pupils' behaviour is not always managed effectively. This is because some pupils and staff do not yet fully understand what these expectations are, and why they are in place. There is some disruption to lessons as a result. The school should continue to embed expectations consistently so that behaviour continues to improve.
• Students in the sixth form follow a broad curriculum with many vocational options, but they do not have enough opportunities for enrichment activities that would develop a wide range of interests. The school should review the structure of the personal development curriculum in the sixth form to ensure that students are well prepared for their next steps.

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