IQM Flagship status for Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth
Located in Stockton-on-Tees, Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth became an academy in 2016, and is a shining example of how to serve and support a diverse population with significant needs. Catering for secondary pupils from Year 7 to Year 11, the school dedicates itself to improving and adapting its offer for those living in the highest levels of deprivation in the local area. From providing exemplary academic support to finding ways for every pupil to engage in academy life, staff work tirelessly to ensure every pupil leaves the academy with an excellent education.
Leaders have been a driving force for inclusion, and pride themselves on the welcoming atmosphere around the academy. This is reflected in the mutual respect between pupils and staff, providing an excellent environment for learning to flourish. Students feel comfortable and confident in their learning, allowing them to become ambassadors for the academy and its inclusive offering.
Pupils are open and enthusiastic in their praise of the academy. Staff make an effort to get to know every pupil and to understand how they can best support them. Indeed, the Head of School knows the pupils well and leads by example with a calm and fair approach to all pupils. As a result, pupils feel valued and listened to at Bishopsgarth. There is a strong sense that inclusion and belonging are priorities for every member of the academy community, and that everyone works towards what is right for learners and the wider academy community.
Their most recent Ofsted report noted that Bishopsgarth “goes to great lengths to support pupils and their families, especially at times of great need.” A strength of their inclusive ethos is the ability to adapt to change. The academy has seen an increase in in-year transfers from overseas, with many pupils arriving with English as an additional language. They have also seen a rise in SEND pupils joining the academy, particularly with SEMH needs. Bishopsgarth is proactive in its approach to meeting the needs of its diverse community, with TAs undertaking EAL training to support pupils with English, as well as offering Early Help Assessments, attendance support, and in-school meetings with key staff members to families who need it most. There are weekly inclusion meetings to ensure individual pupil needs are being documented, tracked, and met effectively. Staff go above and beyond to ensure parents feel included in the school community by challenging any misconceptions parents have about the education system or negative experiences they may have had in their own education.
Every student is supported thoroughly at Bishopsgarth through tailored learning experiences. The academy’s Alternative Provision is an example of how the academy continuously works to improve and develop its offer. Bespoke, well-thought-out plans are put in place to ensure the individual success of the pupils it serves. The introduction of 1 or 2 day work placements allows the academy to identify pupils who would benefit from additional support, on the condition that they focus on English and Maths when they are in lessons. There is clear evidence that this inclusive action has allowed numerous students to thrive on their education journey, and the academy has seen a significant improvement in behaviour, emotional regulation, and attendance.
A member of staff noted that “kids have changed, so we need to do something different in schools to support this.” The academy is acutely aware of the transformative power of inclusion, and it forms a prominent part of policy making and lesson planning at Bishopsgarth. There are designated inclusion spaces in the academy that children can access when needed, and pupils speak highly of the support they receive from staff in these spaces. With the creation of these personalised spaces, pupils can build positive and impactful relationships with staff and fellow pupils alike.
Inclusion is an active and evolving element of life at Bishopsgarth. Staff are always looking for ways to improve and develop their support effectively. The academy works with various external agencies to support its pupils fully, such as the Northern Guild trainee counselling service, and is still working to expand its offering. They are also keen to instil the importance of attendance. Daily attendance is carefully checked and monitored by the school, and absences are always followed up. In some cases, the school has been able to help pupils who were not attending school for some time to improve their attendance significantly, with the vast majority of pupils now attending regularly.
Inclusion is at the very heart of life at Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth. Staff are fully committed to creating a welcoming and empowering learning space, where pupils can engage with the curriculum in a way that matches their learning needs. A strong bond of respect between staff and pupils allows the entire academy community to feel supported and welcomed, even beyond the school walls. There is no need too great at the academy; every learner is uplifted and supported to achieve their very best on their educational journey.
