Cabot Learning Federation

Cabot; Ofsted Press Release & Full Report

John Cabot Academy was inspected under Section 5 of the Education Act 2005 on 18 and 19 November 2009. The outcome of the inspection was that the Academy was judged to be providing an Outstanding education for all its students.

The report stated “Its excellent performance stems from strong and purposeful leadership, both from the Principal and senior team, and from the Cabot Learning Federation.” It went on to state “The strength of the academy’s leadership and its track record over the two years since it opened confirm that the academy has an excellent capacity for sustained improvement.”

The report also highlighted John Cabot’s Competency Curriculum. “The Cabot Competency Curriculum is an example of an innovation that has had an excellent impact on students’ attainment and progress. The curriculum overall is very responsive to students’ aspirations, enabling them to follow courses and vocational options that suit their needs, make progress at their own pace and gain qualifications when ready.”

On pupil welfare and behaviour the report stated “Behaviour is outstanding, especially in lessons. Students’ understanding of healthy lifestyles and how to keep safe are excellent. During this inspection, members of the federation’s student parliament worked with the City of Bristol’s Director of Children’s Services to devise a strategy to support children and young people from across the city in keeping themselves safe. Students of all backgrounds, boys, girls and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities all do equally well. One parent, whose child had recently joined the academy wrote, ‘My son is flying. He feels accepted, his self-esteem has returned and he is happy and confident. One student, chatting by chance to an inspector in the lunch queue, remarked that one thing she really loved about lessons was the way teachers amended and adapted their lesson plans as they went along, in response to feedback from the students.”

The report concluded with a letter to pupils which stated. “We judged that John Cabot is an outstanding academy. This is because it knows that its prime purpose is to make sure that you all achieve as well as you can. It has a strong focus on equipping you with the personal qualities and skills that will serve you very well in later life.”

Adam Williams Principal of John Cabot Academy said “This achievement represents the daily experience at the Academy with students and staff interacting in positive partnership to develop a mutual respect, leading to the high standards they achieve. We strategically aspire to be Outstanding on a daily basis so that our young people maximise their potential”

David Carter Executive Principal of the Cabot Learning Federation said “I am delighted with the outcome of the inspection and the fact that John Cabot Academy has been judged outstanding for the second time. This is a rare achievement for an Academy and underlines the strength and opportunities that being part of the Cabot Learning Federation can bring not only to John Cabot but to Bristol Brunel and Bristol Metropolitan Academies”

To view the full report please click on the link. 2009_Final