PUPILS at a Fordingbridge school have been praised for their “exemplary behaviour” by Ofsted inspectors.
They found The Burgate School and Sixth Form’s “relational and inclusive approaches are at the heart of all it does”, with children treated as “individuals”.
Pupils were said to be “respectful and polite to adults and to each other, with sixth-form students described as “excellent role models for younger pupils”.
Burgate school pupils
Inspectors found the school offers an ambitious curriculum in all years that goes beyond preparing pupils for exams, and its extra-curricular programme was praised as “rich and varied”.
The school’s vision “underpins its drive for continuous improvement and is supported by all those involved”, continued the report.
Trustees at the academy school were found to “provide strong support and challenge, and take their statutory responsibilities very seriously, not least safeguarding“.
Staff were described as being very proud to work at the school, creating calm and purposeful classrooms which are focused on learning.
Pupils achieve well, but inspectors pointed out the “depth of learning and thinking is not yet consistent across the curriculum”.
However, those who need more help with learning were provided with very effective and targeted support, said Ofsted.
SEND pupils with additional needs had them identified “swiftly and precisely”, it was said, with appropriate adjustments for pupils.
The school has introduced a new “exploration” curriculum and a personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) programme. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe and “nurture positive relationships, including online”.
But the inspectors found that some pupils were not “supported to think as deeply as they could or apply their knowledge to more complex tasks”.
Burgate head teacher David Pover said: “Our positive and engaging school culture is something we have worked particularly hard at over the past few years and the commitment of our staff to it has led to The Burgate’s wide recognition for its innovative approach to modern education.
“As you would undoubtedly expect, the students made us feel most proud of them – their kindness, courtesy and positivity really shone through, whether it was with a warm smile or holding a door open for the inspectors. Also, that our students willingly shared their achievements and aspirations with the inspectors was especially impressive.”