Ofsted has praised the work of pupil referral unit St Matthias Academy, which has a site at Rush Hill in Bath.
St Matthias Academy on Rush Hill in Bath | Photo © Google Street View / Google 2024
The 56-pupil academy, which also has sites in Bristol – at Alexandra Park in Fishponds and Machin Road in Brentry – was visited by a team of four inspectors last month.
From September 2024 schools are not given an overall effectiveness grade but the Ofsted inspectors said that during their visit the academy was good in terms of quality of education, leadership and management, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and personal development.
In March 2022 the academy was told by the education watchdog that it needed to improve. The following year it was taken over by the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership.
Both the Fishponds and Rush Hill sites serve Key Stages 3 and 4 while Brentry caters for Key Stage 3.
The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) at the academy is well above the national figure.
The proportion of pupils in receipt of pupil premium funding is also well above the national figure.
In their report, the inspectors said: “Many pupils come to St Matthias Academy with negative experiences of education. However, the school swiftly transforms their attitudes, enabling them to engage with learning successfully.
“Pupils are very positive about the personalised support they receive from staff, particularly when they feel anxious. They feel safe and well cared for.”
Pupils are said to be “kind, empathetic and respectful to others”. They learn how to interact successfully with their peers and adults and how to manage their emotional responses.
They also learn a range of subjects well. Those with SEND “thrive” through bespoke support for their social and emotional needs.
The academy is said to have “high expectations and aspirations for pupils”.
“On pupils’ arrival at the school, staff check what pupils know and do not know. This enables the school to provide an appropriate curriculum that addresses gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
“The school identifies pupils’ SEND needs swiftly and ensures that the curriculum meets these needs. Through the curriculum, pupils build on their prior knowledge with confidence.”
Each pupil’s attendance is closely monitored, and bespoke support is provided. Leaders and staff are said to be “relentless” in ensuring that pupils, parents and carers understand the link between regular attendance and pupils’ achievements.
The report continues: “The personal development of pupils lies at the core of the school’s curriculum. Many pupils have social and emotional mental health issues and the school provides personalised support.
“The development of each pupil’s character is central to the work of the school. Pupils learn to regulate their emotions and develop effective social skills. For many pupils, the school has a transformative impact in enabling them to re-engage with learning and the world around them.”
One parent’s comment echoed the views of many: “Since attending St Matthias, my child is like a different child – the staff are just amazing.”
Governors and the trust are said to know the school well and provide rigorous challenge and support in equal measure.
The overwhelming majority of staff are said to be proud to work at the school and feel that leaders are supportive of their workload.
