Bristol schools rated ‘Inadequate’ are undergoing changes, with some improving and others still struggling. Key updates on their current status are highlighted.
Bristol: Kids are nearing the halfway point of the school year. The February break is coming up, making it a good time to reflect on school progress.
Ofsted reports help check school performance. This year, Ofsted is changing how they rate schools. They removed one and two-word judgments in September. New report cards will start next academic year.
Schools still get four ratings: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires Improvement’, and ‘Inadequate’. Private schools still use these ratings for overall judgments, but that will change soon.
In July, we looked at five schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire that got the lowest rating. North Somerset had no ‘Inadequate’ schools at that time. Even though the ‘Inadequate’ rating is gone, inspections can still show if a school has improved.
So, what’s the latest on those five ‘Inadequate’ schools?
Montpelier High School – Became an Academy
Montpelier High School has been ‘Inadequate’ the longest. It joined the E-ACT Trust this year.
Located on Cheltenham Road, Montpelier became an academy at the start of the academic year. It hasn’t been inspected since joining the trust. When it does get inspected, Ofsted will refer to the last inspection, which found it ‘Inadequate’ in September 2023.
Montpelier has been rated ‘Inadequate’ since March 23, 2022. Three of the five areas assessed were ‘Requires Improvement’. Ofsted noted improvements in 2023, like better handling of bullying and stronger staff-student relationships.
However, many students still feel unprepared for life after school. They lack guidance on careers and further education.
Hartcliffe Nursery School and Children’s Centre – Now Rated ‘Good’
Hartcliffe Nursery School is the only one of the five that is no longer ‘Inadequate’.
After an inspection on October 1 and 2, 2024, Hartcliffe is now rated ‘Good’. The interim headteacher, Cate Peel, who started in October 2023, was praised for leading the improvements.
Ofsted highlighted that the curriculum was revamped, and children with special needs now receive proper support. The leadership team is also ensuring their actions positively impact students and staff.
Rangeworthy Church of England Primary School – Became an Academy
Rangeworthy Church of England Primary School was once ‘Outstanding’ but fell to ‘Inadequate’. It became an academy this year.
Located in South Gloucestershire, it hasn’t been inspected since becoming an academy. It remains ‘Inadequate’ since September 2023.
Ofsted reported that school leaders weren’t held accountable for education quality. The curriculum was described as “not ambitious” and “poorly planned.”
There were significant changes in leadership and staffing, but the report criticized the reading approach, leaving early-year students behind.
Willow Park CofE Primary School – No Inspection Since ‘Inadequate’ Rating
Willow Park CofE Primary School is still ‘Inadequate’ and hasn’t become an academy.
It hasn’t been inspected since its ‘Inadequate’ rating in March 2024. The inspection revealed “significant gaps” in student learning.
Ofsted noted that the school hasn’t quickly identified areas needing improvement. The curriculum isn’t adapted for disadvantaged students or those learning English as a second language.
Students’ understanding of British values is limited, leaving them unprepared for modern life. While SEND students receive timely support, more improvements are needed.
A spokesperson for Willow Park said they take the findings seriously and are working on an improvement plan.
Merchants’ Academy – Became an Academy
Merchants’ Academy joined the E-ACT Trust after its ‘Inadequate’ report.
It’s the third school to become an academy and the second to join E-ACT. Merchants’ was rated ‘Inadequate’ in March 2024 and had a previous ‘Inadequate’ rating from 2017 to 2020.
Merchants’ hasn’t been inspected since becoming an academy. The previous ‘Inadequate’ rating still stands until a new inspection occurs.
Inspectors reported that students and staff don’t feel safe due to frequent fights. Poor behavior severely affects learning, and expectations for younger students are too low.
Other Schools Rated ‘Inadequate’
Cotham Gardens Primary School in Redland was also rated ‘Inadequate’.
Since our last update, Cotham Gardens was placed in special measures after a December inspection. The quality of education was deemed unacceptable.
The report stated that the academy trust lacks the capacity to improve learning quickly. It also noted low expectations for student achievement and inadequate support for SEND students.
Recent leadership changes aim to improve stability, including a new head of school. However, progress is still in the early stages.
The CEO of the trust acknowledged the school’s challenges but noted ongoing efforts to improve education quality.