Pupils understand that they are valued and thrive in an atmosphere where they are well known as individuals and the quality of relationships is a notable strength, declares the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report, following a two-day visit to the secondary school last month.
“Staff are caring, valuing pupils and each other. Astute decisions overcome barriers to flourishing, especially for the most vulnerable. As a result, people’s lives are transformed,” the report says.
“We are delighted with the SIAMS report,” said Tracey Burgess, Head of Venerable Bede. “Inspectors have recognised and accurately captured in their report the commitment we have to all of our students. Our vision is ‘We soar to the heights together’ and this is a shared aspiration everyone, staff and pupils, try to live every day.”
The report explains that there is a clear ethos in the school, led by Northern Lights Learning Trust, that encourages pupils and adults to flourish. “The school is highly inclusive and cherishes the worth of every single member of the school community,” it says.
Venerable Bede CE Academy’s curriculum and extracurricular provision is carefully planned to reflect its vision, according to the SIAMS report. The school ensures that pupils are well informed and carefully educated about the wider world, say inspectors. This allows them to reach a deep understanding of issues of justice and responsibility.
The report continues: “The school offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular experiences. Leaders understand that pupils can soar to the heights in many ways. Strong curriculum planning allows pupils to develop their own spirituality. For example, an impressive art provision deliberately plans topics that are open to a wide interpretation.
"This means pupils can explore a range of issues in a safe and understanding environment. The result is a variety of deeply spiritual responses from pupils, even the most vulnerable.”
There is generosity in the way the school and the trust work together, with each benefiting and enriching the other, observes the report.
Many pupils and adults at the Church of England school say they find the collective worship at the heart of the school uplifting while others find it meaningful and thought-provoking. Adults describe working at the school as “being part of a loving family.”
Jo Heaton OBE, Chief Executive of Northern Lights, said: “I'm so pleased SIAMS inspectors have recognised that the culture of Venerable Bede as a caring school creates an atmosphere where all individuals are valued.
"The school is on a journey of change, and to hold the core aspects that the report recognises whilst on this journey, is very important to us all. We are proud of all that is celebrated in the SIAMS report.”
Northern Lights Learning Trust comprises nine schools – six primary and three secondary – across Tees Valley and Wearside. Schools in the Trust are Benedict Biscop CE Academy, Grange Primary, Hart Primary, Holley Park, Ian Ramsey CE Academy, St Aidan's CE Academy, St Helen’s, St Peter's CE Elwick and Venerable Bede CE Academy. Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland is set to join the Trust in the New Year.
Nearby primary school Benedict Biscop CE Academy is also part of Northern Lights and one of the “feeder” schools into Venerable Bede. Benedict Biscop has received its own school inspection report, this time from Ofsted, declaring it to be “Outstanding” in all areas.