Wellsway School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leadership at different levels in the school is strong. Leaders have raised expectations of staff and pupils.

Their actions are improving behaviour and the quality of teaching. The quality of teaching is typically good because of teachers' subject knowledge, questioning skills and the relationships they share with pupils. Rates of absence and exclusion for different groups of pupils are reducing.

The curriculum meets the different needs and interests of pupils. A diverse range of courses and appropriate careers guidance support pupils in moving on to the next stage of their education successfully. Provision in the sixth form is good.
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Students are well taught and value their academic and pastoral experience. However, leadership of the sixth form is not sufficiently strategic to identify and remedy some weaknesses in a timely way. This hinders the progress made by some students.

Pupils in different subjects and year groups are not consistently using advice from teachers to help them improve their work. The school is well supported by the multi-academy trust (MAT) to which it belongs. The support provided takes the form of shared resources and expertise.

Most groups of pupils in different year groups, including those who are disadvantaged, are making good progress across the curriculum. Leaders are held to account effectively by governors, who provide an appropriate balance of support and challenge. Pupils generally behave well in lessons and around the school site.

They are respectful towards each other and adults. However, some pupils lack enthusiasm for learning. Pupils, particularly the most vulnerable, benefit from support provided by the school to overcome social, emotional and behavioural issues.

Some parents and carers, staff and pupils are not satisfied with aspects of the school's work. Some pupils, particularly lower-ability pupils, are not challenged sufficiently in their learning and do not take enough pride in their work. Consequently, this hampers the progress they make.

Information about this school

Wellsway School is larger than the average-sized secondary school. The school is part of the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust. The trust was formed in January 2014.

There are currently 13 schools in the trust, containing a mixture of secondary, primary, special and studio schools. Each school has an independent academy governance group. Governors hold school leaders to account for the quality of teaching and standards of achievement.

The MAT takes responsibility for functions such as finance, premises and school improvement. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average. Eight pupils attend alternative provision off the school site. Providers include City of Bristol College, Urban Pursuits, Wheels Project and the Pathways Learning Centre.

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