WELLSWAY School is celebrating a positive report following its latest Ofsted inspection.
The Keynsham school has been judged to be keeping up the high standards found at the last visit in 2019, when it was rated Good in all areas.
The inspectors who visited in December 2024 were impressed with the way students were able to succeed academically and personally. They praised the wide range of opportunities on offer.
“Enrichment opportunities run through the veins of the school. The school plans an exceptionally varied range of clubs and trips. Many pupils participate, often pursuing their interests outside of school or contributing to the local community,” the Ofsted report said.
“An exceptional number of pupils involve themselves in a large pupil leadership programme. As a result, pupils make an active contribution to shaping the school.”
Among other positive comments in the report were:
* The school has high ambitions of its pupils. Pupils achieve well in published outcomes.
* Pupils are very positive about their school.
* The school has high expectations of pupils’ conduct.
* Pupils behave respectfully towards one another.
* Pupils appreciate the way in which the school celebrates their efforts and achievements.
* Pupils particularly appreciate the high-quality music and performance opportunities.
* The school evaluates carefully the decisions it makes to continually improve the school for all pupils.
Ofsted highlighted the “broad, ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum” and the efforts made to build a love of reading among pupils. Teachers were said to know pupils well and to provide appropriate support for individual needs so that all were able to achieve. Improvements in the sixth form were also noted.
The inspectors said that in lessons pupils were focused on their learning and engaged and listened well.
“For the minority of pupils who do not respond to expectations, the school uses stepped approaches and suspension appropriately,” they reported.
Attendance levels across the school were said to be good and closely monitored, with swift and robust action taken when needed. Careers support and personal, social, emotional and health education were also rated highly, and safeguarding was judged to be effective.
The inspectors’ recommendations around reading fluency and the adaptation of teaching strategies are already part of the school’s improvement efforts.
Wellsway School, which has 1,329 pupils, including 214 in the sixth form, is part of Futura Learning Partnership. The inspectors praised the trust for providing high-quality professional training and support that enhanced the expertise of staff and governors.
Headteacher Rob Pearsall said: “We are extremely proud of the outcome of this inspection. Ofsted’s positive findings reflect the hard work and dedication of our students and staff and the wonderful support we receive from our community.
“There is much to celebrate in the report, and I am thrilled that the aspects of the school we value most have been officially recognised.
“We are committed to building on the progress we have made so that we can continue to provide our young people with the excellent education, opportunities and support they deserve.”
Gary Schlick, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Wellsway for this excellent inspection report, which captures the many strengths of the school. I am confident that the staff and students will maintain these standards and go on to achieve further successes.”
Pictured, Helen Jacobs, Maya Arnold, Mindy Fay, Nia Jones, Adrian Devan, Matthew Stapleton, Hugo Vicary, Finley Cummins, Albie Frape and Maggie Turner
Wesllway School celebrates Ofsted report
