Bartholomew School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Students make outstanding progress in a wide range of subjects, including English and mathematics. Results in GCSE examinations were above average in 2012 and are on track to be even better this year. The sixth form is outstanding.

Most students continue their studies into the sixth form where they achieve very well. A high proportion of students attain the top grades in their A-level subjects and many proceed to higher education. The school leaders have established a climate where everyone is keen to learn and improve.

Through regular checking and feedback to teachers, they have maintained a very high quality of teachin...g and learning throughout the school. There is a relentless focus on raising academic standards within a caring atmosphere that also values and promotes students' personal development exceptionally well. The needs of each student are considered carefully and alternative programmes and support are planned for those who would benefit from them, to accommodate their strengths and interests.

The students' behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary. They are polite, respectful and work very well together. They are proud of their school and enjoy being given responsibilities, such as being part of the student council or mentoring younger students.

Thinking skills lessons are helping them to reflect on their own learning. Teachers' high expectations, strong subject knowledge, skilful questioning and positive relationships with students contribute to students' excellent learning in lessons. Teachers also go out of their way to support students through extra lessons at lunchtime and after school.

The school organised very well-attended Saturday sessions to boost attainment in English this year. The school leaders and governors have a very accurate view of what needs to be done to continue raising standards. There is no hint of complacency and the school improvement plan is based on the school's accurate and realistic judgements on the quality of its work.

Information about this school

Bartholomew School is an average-size secondary school. The number of students on roll, including in the sixth form, is expected to rise in September. The school converted to academy status on 1 March 2012.

The predecessor school of the same name was inspected in May 2009 and judged to be outstanding. The school has specialist status for technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). It is also a Leading Edge school for its 'Thinking Voice' project.

The proportion of students for whom the school receives the pupil premium (additional government funding for those known to be eligible for free school meals, looked after children and children of service families) is well below the national average, although increasing each year. There are currently two children from service families and one looked after child at the school. The proportion of students from minority ethnic backgrounds is below average, but rising.

The largest ethnic group is of White British heritage. There are very small numbers of students from a very wide range of other ethnic groups. Around 4% of students are learning English as an additional language, which is well below the national average.

None is at an early stage of learning English. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is lower than the national average. The proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well below average.

The proportion of students that start or leave school at times other than the beginning of Year 7 is above the national average. The school makes some use of alternative provision for a small group of students in Years 10 and 11 who attend local further education colleges on one day each week to follow vocational courses. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.