Bristol Post
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
YOUR ESSENTIAL 2016 GUIDE TO THE BRISTOL REGION’S ACADEMY SCHOOLS
ACADEMIES
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Academies 2016: Helping drive up standards in city Michael Yong Education reporter michael.yong@b-nm.co.uk
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LL talk at the moment is about grammar schools – with huge levels of opposition to the Gover nment’s plans – but 10 years ago it was all about schools becoming academies. The first academy secondary school in Bristol opened in September 2003 – City Academy. Created as part of the then Labour Gover nment’s scheme for schools in deprived areas, it was hailed as a shining example to all other schools. But troubles soon surfaced and it
GET IN TOUCH Michael Yong Education reporter michael.yong@ b-nm.co.uk
Holly Thatcher Commercial writer hollythatcherbnm @gmail.com
struggled with standards under the One World Learning Trust, when it was rated Inadequate by Ofsted. It has since been taken over by the Cabot Learning Federation, and good progress is now being seen at City Academy. Every secondary school in Bristol is now an academy – some running as independent academies, while others are part of huge multi-academy trusts (MATs) with national backing. In the Bristol area, Cabot Learning Federation has the biggest share of schools, although they are closely followed by Oasis Learning, a national MAT. The Olympus Academy Trust has also just taken on more schools in the region, and MATs around the city
Autumn Open Events
■ To advertise in upcoming education supplements call Marc England on 0117 934 3428 or email marc.england @localworld.co.uk
■ pages 4&5 The Ridings Federation of Academies, Cabot Learning Federation, Bridge Learning Campus ■ Page 6 Oldfield School, Wellsway Multi-academy Trust ■ Page 8 SGS College
are looking at taking on more schools. The Government’s plans earlier this year to see all schools become academies has ben quietly cast aside, but it has not stopped MATs from looking to take on new primary schools. It is important MATs are not too big, but also not too self-contained. Careful planning
is needed to make sure a trust is of a critical size to function, but not too big it cannot cope with demands. Academisation alone has been heralded as the reason schools in Bristol have improved so dramatically but other factors – including strong leadership and determined pupils – also play a key part in this improvement.
Tonight! Open Evening:
‘A Good school’ - Ofsted 2016 “Pupils are able to thrive and become ng confident yothue people at Academy”
Tuesday 20 September 2016 6.30pm - 8.30pm Principal’s Presentation at 6.30pm & 7.15pm
Open Mornings: Monday 26 September to Friday 7 October 2016 (by appointment)
BROADLANDS ACADEMY
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0117 986 4791 contactus@broadlandsacademy.org @BroadlandsBS31
www.broadlandsacademy.org Broadlands Academy, St Francis Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2DY
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GCSE Results 2016 We achieved over 60% 5 A*-C including English & Maths for the fourth year in a row.
BUS ROUTES FOR BS4, BS14, : BS15 & BS30
INCE becoming an academy in December 2012, as part of the Academies Enterprise Trust, Broadlands has been on a trajectory of rapid improvement. This has led to the consistent achievement of more than 60 per cent of students achieving at least five A*-C grades, including English and maths, every year since it became an academy. Broadlands, in Keynsham, is now a school with a strong reputation for excellent academic progress and achievement and also for exceptional pastoral support for its students. Ofsted visited in January 2016 and the inspectors were full of praise for the rapid improvement that has taken place and the strong position that the academy now finds itself in. It is officially a “good” school. The Ofsted inspection team observed all as-
pects of the academy during the visit and the resulting report overwhelmingly reflects the improvement work that has taken place and the determination of all at the academy to continue to foster a culture of high expectation and ambition. The academy is hosting its annual open evening for prospective students on Tuesday, September 20, 6.30-8.30pm, and will also be running open morning tours from Monday, September 26, through to Friday, October 7. Tours will be by appointment at 9.15am and 10.15am. These events will be a great opportunity to view many aspects of the academy and meet the people who continue to help and support students achieve their potential.
✽ For further information, call 0117 986 4791, or visit www.broadlandsacademy.org.
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Tuesday, September 20, 2016
COLSTON’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL
CHURCHILL ACADEMY
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IMRA Naeem could not have asked for a better 18th birthday present – four A* at A-level and a place to study medicine at the University of Bristol. She collected her results at Colston’s Girls’ School, accompanied by her proud parents, Tahira and Muhammad, on the day she turned 18, before going home for a celebration with family and friends. Nimra, from Eastville, who achieved top grades in maths, biology and chemistry as well as an A* in her Extended Project Qualification, will be the first in her family to go to university. “My parents are thrilled,” she said. “I was a bit nervous before I picked up the results but I am really looking forward to studying medicine, which has always fascinated me. I undertook work experience with a GP and in a pharmacy, and I volunteered in a hospital – and realised it was what I wanted to do as a career.” British-born Nimra, whose parents are from Pakistan, took part in the Access to
■ Nimra with her parents and head of sixth form at CGS, Kerry McCullagh Bristol scheme, which supports first-generation students from deprived areas of the city who have the motivation and potential to succeed at a top-class university. Nimra, who went to May Park Primary School and has been at CGS since Year 7, praised her teachers for their support. Kerry McCullagh, head of sixth form at CGS, said: “Nimra has worked incredibly hard and thoroughly deserves her success in these exams. We wish her all the best at university and in her
career. Life in the sixth form at CGS extends well beyond the classroom. Sixth form students develop personalised study programmes with wide ranging extra-curricular opportunities. From university and workplace experiences, social action projects and enterprise initiatives, sixth formers develop the employability and leadership skills to achieve their ambitions.”
✽ For further information, call 0117 942 4328, or visit www.colstonsgirls.bristol.sch.uk
Curious and resilient learners who respect the world around them and have a strong sense of responsibility for their own excellence
HURCHILL’S results cap an outstanding year for the academy, which continues to go from strength to strength. Following the first academic year after being judged “outstanding” by Ofsted, new Head Teacher Chris Hildrew is continuing the upward trajectory, with work starting on a new £1.3 million business and computing centre. Commenting on the achievement of a 99 per cent A-level pass rate, with 77 per cent A*-C grades, Chris Hildrew said: “These are fantastic results from a great group of students. They deserve success because they have approached their studies with dedication and commitment, but also with real enjoyment of the learning process.” Churchill recognises the importance of academic achievement, but believes in a broad and balanced education. This is why it offers creative and practical subjects to students, including the performing arts, textiles, media studies, fine art and product design, alongside law, polit-
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ics, psychology and economics. The Specialist Tutor Programme offers relevant experiences for students to be inspired and acquire new skills that will help them to stand out from the crowd. The aim is to help develop students’ confidence and skills for life beyond sixth for m. The school is proud of its established programme of extra-curricular activities and opportunities, benefiting from a beautiful rural location on the edge of the Mendip Hills’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition, the Duke of Ed-
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inburgh’s Award scheme was recognised this year by the Duke himself at Buckingham Palace, and school productions and concerts at Weston’s Playhouse are legendary. And, because the sixth form is part of a wider school, post-16 students benefit from a range of leadership and volunteering opportunities with younger students.
✽ For further information, attend the open evening on Wednesday, September 28, or open mornings on Tuesday and Friday, October 4 and 6. Alternatively, visit www.churchillacademy.org.
be challenged? do well? be happy? enjoy it?
Bridge Learning Campus 0117 3534472 enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.com
Open Morning: Saturday 26 September 10:00am—12:00pm Open Evening: Thursday 1 October 5:00—7:30pm
AND FIND … and every dayCOME is Open Day—please contact us OUT! for a personalised tour of the school during lessons... CARE
INSPIRE
CHALLENGE
ACHIEVE
Open Evening 28th September, 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm Open Mornings 4th, 5th and 6th October, 9.00 am to 12.30 pm Sixth Form Open Evening 15th November, 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm
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BRIDGE LEARNING CAMPUS
THE RIDINGS FEDERATION OF ACADEMIES
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RIDGE Learning Campus in Hartcliffe is a remarkable and unique school. Head teacher Keziah Featherstone says: “I have never before had the privilege to work with so many brilliant and committed members of staff – specialist teachers, caring pastoral support and uncompromising provision for children of all abilities and ages.” An inclusive and allthrough school, the children can join aged three and remain until they are, although children are also accepted at Year 7 as they move on from other local primary schools. The staff work extremely hard with children of all ages as they transfer between years, and even schools, to make sure they feel safe, happy and settled. Last year, Ofsted called the transition arrangements outstanding.” Exam results are showing rapid improvement and inspiring senior leaders have high expectations for all. The progress children make is good and improving. Sometimes children join with quite
low starting points, but the team works relentlessly to help them catch up and thrive. The school is proud of the way it works with parents to ensure the best for all children. Ofsted also judged the parent engagement to be “outstanding” and this year the school achieved the gold standard in parent engagement from the SSAT. Keziah Featherstone is both the head teacher of Bridge Learning Campus and a parent of a child at BLC, currently in Year 5. She says: “My daughter is flourishing at BLC, she is happy, learning
and I would therefore not hesitate to recommend the school to anyone who wants the best for their children.” ✽ The school is holding an open evening on Tuesday, September 20, 5-7.30pm and a “quiet” open morning on Saturday, September 24, 10am-12pm. Alternatively, to tour the school while lessons are taking place, make an appointment by calling 0117 903 0356. “I guarantee you’ll be impressed,” says Ms Featherstone. For more info visit www.bridgelearning campus.org.uk.
INCE joining The Ridings’ Federation of Academies at the beginning of 2016, Chief Executive Principal Adam Williams has driven a belief that everyone should be empowered to excel. As part of the federation, both Winterbourne and Yate International Academies are passionate about ensuring every young person, regardless of background and context, will thrive in an environment of high expectation, ambition and support. At Yate International Academy, it takes mere moments to discover the strong community spirit and enriched level of support that every student receives. For example, staff take genuine interest in students and their families, thus ensuring every child is seen as an individual and not just an examination statistic. The all-through academy also benefits from a unique team that supports hearing impaired children across both the Woodlands Primary Phase and Yate International
Academy Secondary Phase. The team delivers one-to-one support during classes and group sessions to ensure every students is integrated into school life with the same level of opportunities. At Winterbourne International Academy, a strong Behaviour For Learning policy allows teachers to excel at teaching and students to excel at learning. Exams are consistently strong and more students achieve their first choice university place than at any other school in South
Gloucestershire. Being a large academy offers additional benefits such as a wide choice of overseas educational visits and facilities such as an interactive theatre, arts centre and swimming pool. There are opportunities to explore how well these academies can deliver the high quality of education that parent and students desire by visiting open evenings during October.
✽ For further information, visit www.trfa.org.uk.
Empowering all to excel Year 5 & 6 Open Evenings
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0117 353 4472
enquiries@bridgelearningcampus.org.uk
Thursday 6 October 4pm - 8pm
Wednesday 5 October 6pm - 8pm
www.trfwia.org.uk
www.trfyia.org.uk
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THE CABOT LEARNING FEDERATION
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HE Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) partnership is sponsored by Rolls-Royce and University of the West of England (UWE). The federation is one of the most mature multi-academy trusts in the South West and currently sponsors 15 academies: six primaries, seven mainstream secondaries, an all-through academy and a studio school. In addition, the CLF has a discrete post-16 provision, located across six sites in the East Bristol and South Gloucestershire area, and a primary and a secondary re-engagement centre serving the same area. Together, the federation educates 8,000 children between the ages of 3 and 19. The CLF was initially formed with a “soft federation” between John Cabot Academy and Bristol Brunel Academy in 2007. This went on to become a “hard federation” in 2009 when Bristol Metropolitan Academy joined. In 2011, two more academies were added to the family when Hans Price Academy, in Weston-super-Mare, and King’s Oak Academy, in Kingswood, Bristol, also joined. In September 2012, the family continued to grow with five new arrivals; Bath Community Academy became the sixth secondary academy and the
addition of four primary schools in Bristol meant that, for the first time, the federation educated students from the age of three to 19. Subsequently, Wallscourt Farm Academy (2013), Hanham Woods Academy (2014) and Digitech Studio School (2015) came on board, too. Primary academy partners are Begbrook, Minerva, Frome Vale, Summerhill and Wallscourt Farm
academies. In September 2014, Hanham Woods Academy joined us followed by Digitech Studio School Bristol, which opened in September 2015. King’s Oak Academy changed from being a secondary academy to all-through in September 2015, welcoming its first cohort of reception children. In June 2016, City Academy Bristol
joined the family and in September 2016 the range of provision increased with the opening of Haywood Village Academy in Weston-super-mare – the first primary academy in North Somerset. Steve Taylor, CEO of Cabot Learning Federation, said: “In the federation, we believe that students come first and that every child can find a route to happiness, prosperity and
success. The federation was created to enable staff to work more closely together to deliver the best education possible for the pupils who attend our academies. “We are proud of the improvements we have seen in exam results and more of our students than ever before now have qualifications that stand comparison with other young people across the South West. This has enabled us to develop a post-16 provision, with more than 500 students staying in full time education after their GCSE courses have finished. “CLF became a teaching school in 2011 and a maths hub in 2014. These designations formed the basis of what is now the CLF Institute, an overarching hub for training and research, allowing us to share more strategies and ideas to raise the quality of education for the children in our academies. “In September 2016 we will be opening a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) centre, where we will train and accredit teachers for both our academies and the wider education sector in the South West.”
✽ For further information, visit www.cabotlear ningfederation.net.
The Cabot Learning Federation welcoming in 2016
Haywood Village Academy
City Academy, Bristol
Weston super Mare
www.cabotlearningfederation.net
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Cabot Learning Federation
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WELLSWAY MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
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ELLSWAY Multi-Academy Trust is a growing local partnership of schools working together to provide a high quality educational experience for young people. The trust is ambitious for its schools and its students, while remaining rooted in the communities it serves in the Bristol, Keynsham and Bath area. The trust comprises two large secondaries, two studio schools, one primary and a special school. Between them they include more than 3,000 learners, aged from four to 19. Another primary school is joining in September and others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the trust. Collaboration between member schools brings many benefits, but WMAT is also committed to working with all education providers in the area, from early years settings to further and higher education establishments. The trust is led by chief executive Andrea Arlidge, described by the National Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter, as “a fantastic school leader and one of a growing number of excellent female executive heads and chief executives in the South West”. Mrs Arlidge, who was head of Well-
sway School for 11 years, is a founding member of Keynsham Area Family of Schools (KAFOS), a director of the Bath Education Trust, chair at Wesport, and a member of Ofsted’s South West scrutiny committee. Wellsway School is consistently one of the highest-performing schools in the area at both GCSE and A-level and
was rated “good” by Ofsted in 2014 in its first inspection since converting to academy status. Its principal is Matthew Woodville. Sir Bernard Lovell School in Oldland Common joined the trust in April 2015 and has been making great strides. Principal Rupert Maule has established higher expectations,
Welcome to Oldfield School Open Day Open Evening 6pm – 8.30pm Wednesday 28th Sept 2016 Headteacher’s talks and activities taking place around the school.
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Open Morning 9am – 11.30am Friday 30th Sept 2016 Guided tours from 9am. www.oldfieldschool.com 01225 423582
We provide an exceptional education in an environment that challenges all students and fosters ambition. Our students have respect for themselves, each other and their school and are well-prepared to face the world as compassionate, confident and resilient young people.
backed up by a new uniform, a house system, and a “positive behaviour for learning scheme”. Students have been fully involved in establishing the school’s core values of respect, equality, knowledge, individuality and teamwork. The Bath Studio School (TBSS), which opened in 2014, specialising in
creative media and business, and IKB Academy, which opened a year later with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) are smaller schools for students aged 14-19, offering unique partnerships with industry. TBSS is led by Colin Cattanach and IKB by Deborah Gibbs. Mr Cattanach is also principal of Aspire Academy, a special school for children aged four to 18, supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their educational potential. WMAT places inclusion at the heart of all its provision and seeks to develop services to support learners with specific needs. St John’s CE Primary in Keynsham was the first primary school to join WMAT and is rated “outstanding” by Ofsted. It is a church school with a distinctive Christian ethos and strives for excellence in a learning environment where children feel safe and happy. Its principal, Dr Matthew Cottrell, deputy trust chief executive, is a Local Leader of Education and a lead Ofsted inspector. Kate Reynolds, Dean of the School of Education at Bath Spa University, is the trust’s chair.
✽ For further information, visit www.wellswaymat.com.
OLDFIELD SCHOOL
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TAFF at Oldfield School have a close partnership with students and parents and provide an exceptional education in an environment that challenges all students and fosters ambition, reports the head teacher Steven Mackay. He says: “As a consequence, our students’ achievement is high and we have been commended by Ofsted on our inspirational teaching and learning, excellent behaviour in lessons and around school and the academic achievement of our students. “The hard work of students and staff has again been rewarded this year, with 73 per cent of GCSE entries gaining five or more A*-C grades and 23 per cent of all entries were at A* or A. At A-level, 35 per cent of all entries were at A or B grade.” The school has excellent facilities in all subject areas and supports a wide and varied range of extra-curricular activities, including basketball, rugby, dance, drama,
football, a blues band, and choir clubs, alongside an established Duke of Edinburgh Award programme and a strong commitment to the creative arts. There is also a variety of domestic and overseas school trips in subjects across the curriculum. These experiences are often among the most memorable for students and are a valued part of school life. Mr Mackay concludes: “Oldfield is a welcoming and vibrant school which provides an outstanding education, but please don’t just take my word for it, come and see for yourselves.”
✽ An open evening at Oldfield School, Kelston Road, Bath, is taking place on Wednesday, September 28, 6-8.30pm, and an open morning on Friday, September 30, 9.-11.30am. For more information, call 01225 423582 or visit oldfieldschool.com.
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We are a local partnership of schools offering students a diverse range of traditional and innovative courses. Find out which school best suits your needs.
Autumn open events at all our schools WELLSWAY SIXTH
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• Specialist teachers in science, technology engineering and maths • Small school environment
with small class sizes, for Years 10-13
• Open evening for current Year 9 & 11 students, 5 October at 6.30pm. www.theikbstudioschool.org.uk
• Building aspiration through great learning
• Helping you achieve to your full potential
• Outstanding teaching and results
• Open evening on 22 September at 6.30pm
• Great range of courses and extra-curricular activities
• Outstanding care and support systems
• Open days on 23, 27 & 30 September - contact the school to make an appointment
• 6th form opening evening on 13 October at 6.30pm. www.sbllearning.org.uk
• Excellent careers advice • Open evening on 6 October. www.wellswayschool.com
• Open evening on 12 October, see website for details.
www.wellswayschool.com
Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, c/o Wellsway School, Chandag Road Keynsham BS31 1PH T 0117 9864751 F 0117 916 103 www.wellswaymat.com EPB-E01-S5
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HE new prospectus for full-time courses starting in 2017 at SGS College (South Gloucestershire and Stroud) is now available, showcasing the huge array of higher, professional and technical course options. The new guide offers hundreds of study programmes in many different areas and provides applicants with an in-depth overview as to what can be studied from age 14 upwards. From animal care to construction, hairdressing to public services, there is a course to suit everyone. In 2014, Ofsted rated SGS as “outstanding” in many areas, including business, art, performing arts, sport, employability, student support, and leadership and management. The college is now building on this success, with the new SGS Berkeley Green campus, which is due to open in September 2017. Principal Sara-Jane Watkins said: “Every year we welcome thousands of full-time students aged 14 and over. “This new-look prospectus offers potential applicants all the information they need to make an informed decision about their future. “In order for potential learners to gain an insight into SGS, we have an open event on Saturday, October 1,
from 10am-1pm for anyone wanting to talk to tutors, past learners or to take a tour of our campuses.” ✽ For your copy of the new prospectus, call 0800 0567253, or email info@sgscol.ac.uk. For more information, visit www.sgscol.ac.uk.
COLLEGE OPEN TO ALL! Join us at our Open Day and find out about South Gloucestershire & Stroud College’s wide range of apprenticeships, sports academies, full and part-time study programmes and University Level courses.
Our Open Day at SGS Filton, WISE, Berkeley Green & Queens Road is on:
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Saturday 1st October, 10:00 - 13:00 For further details visit www.sgscol.ac.uk or call 0800 0567 253