Bottisham Village College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding college, where a very strong ethos of community, high quality learning and aspirational academic achievement exists throughout.

One student commented: 'Bottisham is inspirational. The college helps individuals to shape well, giving us the confidence, determination and skills to succeed.' Achievement is outstanding.

Attainment is well above average in English and mathematics. Boys and girls make outstanding progress reaching well above average attainment across a wide range of subjects. Attainment in a very small number of subjects remains average.

Teaching is outstanding. Teachers utilise their expert knowledge of their specialisms, and assessment of their stude...nts' prior attainment in planning activities to meet the needs of all learners exceptionally well. Skilful use of questioning enables students to think and respond, thus securing a level of understanding which contributes to their outstanding progress.

Oral feedback given to students is excellent and there is some exemplary marking. Occasionally, the quality of day-to-day marking in books does not sufficiently aid students' progress. Students' behaviour and attitudes to learning are impressive as they are polite and courteous towards each other and staff.

Students are very well motivated and demonstrate a passion for learning. They work together harmoniously in lessons, freely supporting each other to learn even more. They have an excellent understanding of safety.

The student leadership within the college is very strong. Students' attendance is above average. The Principal and Deputy Principal, together with the college leadership team, provide outstanding leadership.

The personalised tracking system, known as 'The Register', has accelerated student's progress and contributed to outstanding achievement. The leadership of teaching and management of performance are outstanding. The curriculum matches students' learning needs exceptionally well and is highly effective in promoting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Information about the school

This is an average-sized secondary college. Almost all students are from a White British background. The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is low.

The proportion of students supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average. Students travel from a large geographical area to the college. The college converted to academy status in April 2011.

It specialises in humanities and applied learning. It meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. The college has suffered signficant staffing turbulence for two years in English and mathematics, which has now been resolved.

The college holds the International Schools Award and has Healthy Schools status. The college is part of the Bottisham Education Partnership and a locality team is based on site working with a range of local organisations in supporting the college's work. At the time of inspection, public examinations were being held and, therefore, no Year 11 lessons were observed.