The Beacon School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 June 2026

Pupils are confident and happy at this caring school. Staff encourage them to be individuals. Teachers forge warm and meaningful relationships with pupils. This helps staff to know pupils well. These positive relationships are evident throughout the school, as seen in warm greetings and happy conversations between pupils, staff and leaders. Pupils understand the importance of community. They demonstrate this through the polite and courteous behaviour they show each other. As a result, a sense of calm permeates the school. Pupils behave well. They feel this aspect of the school has improved significantly since the last inspection. Pupils feel safe in school. They say bullying does sometimes occur but they know that staff will manage any issues that arise. Pupils typically achieve well. This is evident in their improving outcomes. Pupils develop detailed knowledge in English and mathematics. They concentrate well on their studies and listen carefully to their teachers. This creates a purposeful atmosphere in the majority of classes. Pupils generally learn the skills and knowledge they need to be ready for their next steps. Pupils typically enjoy learning and the school's many wider opportunities. This is evident in their increased attendance over time. However, a small number of disadvantaged pupils still do not attend as well as they should. This means they miss out on crucial learning. Pupils feel well supported in school. They have trusted adults they can discuss any worries with. The school prioritises pupils' mental health. Staff offer them a wide range of resources to manage their feelings effectively. This includes interventions such as the high-quality 'Bridge' provision. This provides those pupils with the most complex barriers to success the help they need to thrive. One parent said the provision was a ‘safe place for pupils’. This is a view shared by many. Pupils have access to well-designed processes to share their concerns and ask for help when they need it.

What the school should improve

• Leaders must increase the intensity of support aimed at improving the attendance of disadvantaged pupils so that this rises to at least broadly in line with national averages.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers provide pupils with appropriate opportunities that help them to deepen their understanding and strengthen their skills.
• Leaders should ensure that they precisely identify the small number of pupils who require additional help with handwriting and spelling, and provide them with the support they need to improve these essential skills.

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