The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy

Overview

The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy is described as an "extremely welcoming school" where relationships are "warm and rooted in high levels of care." Leaders have worked with determination since opening in 2022 to secure a "good quality of education" that prepares pupils well for their next steps.

Strengths

• Pupils’ conduct is "exemplary," creating a "positive and calm environment without disruption."
• Staff are supported through "highly appropriate professional development" and strategies that promote well-being.
• The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," prioritising literacy and academic rigour to develop resilience.
• Pupils benefit from an "exceptional programme" for personal development, including leadership roles and a "rich and well-considered careers programme."
• Systems to identify and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "secure."

Areas to improve

• Assessment checks are "not consistently secure across subjects," meaning some pupils move on to new learning before they are ready.
• The school should ensure assessment information is used effectively across the curriculum to support pupils to "know more and remember more."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.