As an Academy, we always welcome any feedback from external visitors. We have particularly welcomed the feedback from our recent inspection as we have not been formally inspected since 2016. I am delighted that Ofsted have recognised how safe and happy the students are, how they have a strong sense of belonging, how we provide good opportunities for personal development, and how we are continuing to move the school forward.

Our Early Years provision continues to be a strength of the Academy, as does our reading provision in both phases, our support for students with SEND, and our safeguarding provision.

We are disappointed that Ofsted did not recognise many of the significant improvements we have made in the secondary phase that have helped us to achieve the most improved GCSE results in Bolton, and the best GCSE results the Academy has ever had. We know that our innovative approaches are having a positive impact on the curriculum and the quality of the learning that happens in lessons across both phases.

We recognise the areas for development that Ofsted have highlighted. However, the first area for improvement only refers to a tiny group of year 7 students who do not currently study a modern foreign language for the entirety of Key Stage 3. These students are benefitting from extra English and literacy support so that they can make the necessary progress to successfully access the curriculum. We feel that this approach puts the needs of our students first.

We will continue to strive relentlessly to deliver the very best for our students, our community and our staff. Our curriculum is strong, and we will continue to develop the areas outlined which will enable our students to leave school as even more successful learners, not just in their exams, but demonstrating success through the wide range of opportunities we have afforded them. As ever, we can only do this successfully with your continued support.

A NOTE FROM THE CEO OF THE BISHOP FRASER TRUST...

On behalf of myself and the Bishop Fraser Trustees, we have been extremely impressed with the determination and drive of all staff at BSCA to raise standards in our Academy. As a Trust, we carefully scrutinize all aspects of Academy life and have identified great practice at BSCA and a significant improvement in areas such as personal development, curriculum and behaviour under the leadership of Rachael Lucas and her senior leadership team.

We are pleased that the Ofsted report recognised the improvements made since that last inspection. However, this new inspection framework is very different to the last and I do not feel that all improvements across both Primary and Secondary could be identified in just one and half days of inspection with 4 inspectors. The fact that inspectors were not allowed to look at this year’s Secondary results was really disappointing, seeing that the school has made so much progress here. Thank you to everyone at BSCA for your continued work and support of our students.