The Bridge Education Centre

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 February 2024

This school gives pupils a fresh start in education. Pupils form positive and trusting relationships with staff who listen to them and understand their needs. Pupils constantly receive 'unconditional positive regard' from staff. They are made to feel safe and secure. This means that pupils have many opportunities to have a fresh start and strive for success in both their personal and academic goals. There is a strong emphasis on developing pupils' understanding of their own emotions and feelings. Pupils get personalised support through well-being lessons, mentoring or counselling. This helps them to develop strategies to take responsibility for their own behaviour. As a result, the school environment is calm, and pupils are able to concentrate on their learning. Examples of pupils' work are celebrated in high-quality displays around the building. Their achievements are valued and serve as inspiration to others. Everyone shares the same relentless dedication to supporting pupils to get the most out of their time here. There is a rich selection of sporting and creative activities, and community visits which help pupils socially and with their confidence. Alongside this, the variety of academic subjects pupils can study means they have every opportunity to look forward to a positive future.

What the school should improve

• The school has already identified the need to further refine their systems to identify any gaps in pupils' reading knowledge and skills. This means that not all pupils yet benefit from the most precisely targeted literacy interventions. The school should continue with their plans to fully embed this work so that all pupils are supported well.
• Due to recent changes, the management committee is not currently at full capacity. Although, there is strong work by existing experienced governors, this lack of capacity limits the extent to which they are able to effectively evaluate and support the school's strategic priorities. Action must be taken to ensure the appropriate management committee members are recruited to provide the required support.

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