Brook Mead Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Brook Mead Academy provides an exceptional quality of education. Staff are unashamedly ambitious for pupils. There is absolute determination that pupils will excel.

Pupils describe the school as an amazingly inclusive school that 'opens many doors for its scholars'.

The school has unquestionably high expectations of pupils' behaviour and conduct. Routines are clear, consistent and commonly understood.

Pupils' learning is free from disruption. Every moment of lesson time is purely devoted to learning.

There are many ways in which pupils can seek advice or disclose concerns.

Staff regularly seek pupils' views. They are keen to ensure that pupi...ls feel safe and supported. The 'upstander' campaign has been particularly effective.

Pupils express absolute confidence that staff will resolve concerns or worries effectively, including those linked to bullying.

A world of opportunity is opened up to pupils through 'Brook bonus time'. All pupils are supported to follow interests, develop talents and pursue excellence.

Pupils relish these opportunities. The music scholarship, for example, ensures that pupils access instruments and expert tuition. The school works diligently to address social inequality and disadvantage, and is indeed 'building better futures together'.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The curriculum is meticulously planned. There is absolute certainty about the knowledge that should be taught and how this will be learned. Pupils revisit key knowledge and concepts so that they remember them long-term.

They speak with confidence about what they have learned and why.

Teachers expertly adapt the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils with SEND are supported with care.

They experience an ambitious curriculum.

Teachers are knowledgeable and skilled. They are specialists.

They work together within a professional learning community to deliberately hone their expertise. Teachers value the professional respect they are shown. They feel privileged to be part of the journey of the school.

In lessons, teachers cleverly model their expectations. They use high-quality questioning to check pupils' understanding and challenge their thinking. Pupils' misconceptions are quickly identified and addressed.

Teachers skilfully use assessment and give pupils immediate feedback. Teachers immediately adapt learning if needed. There is clear and unequivocal determination to do the best for pupils.

Ensuring that pupils can read with fluency and enjoyment is a key priority. Pupils receive expert support to quickly gain the knowledge and skills they require to read well. The library is a hub of activity.

Many creative ways are found to encourage pupils to 'stop scrolling and start reading'.

Attendance is high. The school knows pupils and their families well.

It takes effective action to ensure that the barriers to good attendance are addressed. The family support worker is described as a 'valiant defender on behalf of the families'. The school does everything it can to ensure that pupils are in school, and are safe and learning.

There is a strong culture of care.

The personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum is purposefully planned to ensure that pupils have the knowledge they need to keep healthy and safe. Nothing is left to chance.

Careers advice and guidance is particularly strong. Pupils are made fully aware of the ambitious possibilities that exist for them once they leave the school.

This is an incredibly diverse and inclusive school community.

Different cultures and religions are welcomed. Pupils are knowledgeable and respectful of faiths other than their own.

The trust provides strong governance.

The academy council is expert. It works with determination and skill to ensure that the community is served by an outstanding school.

The principal inspires the confidence of the school community.

Staff feel incredibly well led and lucky to work at the school. They are totally driven by the Brook pledge: 'Work hard, be kind and help to build a better future for themselves and the world!' It is impressive to see.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.