Big Creative Academy

Overview

Big Creative Academy is a 16 to 19 academy in Walthamstow offering study programmes in creative industries and sport. The inspection judged all aspects of provision as ‘Outstanding’, noting that learners experience ‘exceptional learning opportunities’ within a ‘safe and professional community’. Leaders have successfully raised standards since the previous inspection, ensuring learners gain up-to-date skills for careers in the creative arts.

Strengths

• Learners demonstrate ‘exemplary professional behaviour’ and are ‘committed to attending their programmes’, arriving early and prepared.
• Teaching staff are ‘skilled dual practitioners’ with current industry experience who expertly plan curriculums that meet employer needs.
• Staff support learners with high needs ‘extremely well’, producing individualised plans that enable them to achieve in line with peers.
• The academy provides extensive careers guidance, including ‘a plethora of external speakers’ and opportunities to showcase work at prestigious venues like the Barbican Centre.
• Learners develop essential English and mathematics skills through practical application, such as managing budgets in drama productions.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’.