‘Inclusive’ and ‘Aspirational’ CLF Post 16 is ‘Outstanding’, says Ofsted
‘High quality’ teaching, an ‘inclusive’ environment and a ‘comprehensive careers programme’ which help students to thrive at CLF Post 16 have earned the Bristol education centre a rating of ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted inspectors.
A team from the education watchdog spent two days assessing CLF Post 16 and neighbouring John Cabot Academy, during which time inspectors met with senior leaders, teachers and students, and carried out a deep dive into a number of subject areas.
At the conclusion of the process, the Ofsted team heralded CLF Post 16 as ‘a welcoming school’ where students feel ‘a strong sense of belonging’ and are supported to succeed.
In her report, lead inspector Frances Bywater said: “The CLF Post-16 ethos of ‘Care, Believe, Achieve’ is fully realised. Students in the post-16 provision come from a wide range of schools. Across the whole school, pupils feel a strong sense of belonging.
“Students in Post 16 enjoy their time at school. They receive a high quality education. They feel motivated to succeed. Teachers encourage and support them to do this effectively.
“The school has high expectations of pupils. Lessons are calm and focused. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm.”
On CLF Post 16’s curriculum and teaching, the report said: “Students in the post-16 provision have a broad and varied range of subjects available to them. The qualifications have been carefully selected to ensure that they are fully inclusive.
“Students, including those who have previously had negative educational experiences, thrive here. This is a result of the thoughtful academic and pastoral support.”
On inclusivity and enrichment, the report said: “Post 16 students are particularly articulate in talking about equality and diversity. Pupils of all ages value and respect people with different backgrounds and beliefs.
“They appreciate the many extra-curricular opportunities that the school provides. These include a wide range of enrichment planned within the curriculum. In the post-16 provision, students create and lead their own clubs.”
And on careers provision, Ofsted said: “A comprehensive careers programme provides pupils and post-16 students with helpful guidance. They learn about university and vocational routes.
“The school has developed strong partnerships with other providers. The destinations pupils and students go on to are a real strength of the school.”
The report also said teachers at Post 16 are ‘aspirational for all pupils’, while praising its ‘effective’ safeguarding systems and ‘strong’ pastoral support.
Ofsted’s findings have been welcomed by leaders at CLF Post 16, as well as within its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.
Kath Cooper, Principal at CLF Post 16, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled with the ‘Outstanding’ outcome for the CLF Post 16. It is a recognition of the exceptional work of the Post 16 staff over time, every day, embedding a rich, quality and inclusive provision.
“The students in our care contribute to building a strong community ethos of hard work and conscientious attitudes, which drives achievement and establishes aspirational destinations and careers.
“This is an excellent provision and it is wonderful to be judged and valued for the exceptional Post 16 centre we are: successful, unique and bespoke. We aspire to be the number one choice of Post 16 study centre for the students we serve in our community and trust.”
Sally Apps, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“It is enormously pleasing to know that the Cabot Learning Federation Post 16 provision has been recognised for the outstanding level of care and ambition that is demonstrated every day in the centre.
“The curriculum offer, paired with the excellent pastoral care, has opened doors to students and enabled them to achieve their potential – sometimes against considerable adversity. We are all very proud of what the students, parents, staff and leaders have achieved to date.”
Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:
“Colleagues involved in post-16 provision in our sector will know how challenging it is to achieve an outstanding inspection outcome; the bar is appropriately high, and I am delighted that the excellence of CLF Post 16 has been recognised by the inspectorate.
“The school has improved every year since its inception in 2010 and it now combines the maturity of a school that has been strong for some time and the modernism of a school that offers a curriculum and pastoral support that is of our time. Well done to the team.”
