The Bicester School has retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, following an inspection in March 2024 which graded it Good in all areas.
Ofsted inspectors described The Bicester School as a place where ‘pupils thrive’.
Inspectors were especially impressed with the ethos of the school, saying: “The core values of this school are ‘respect, resilience and responsibility’. They shine through the day-to-day work of this positive and happy community.
“Pupils are warm and friendly. They form positive relationships with each other and with staff. Staff share a commitment to providing pupils with the best possible education. As a result, pupils thrive at this inclusive school.”
Other strengths highlighted include:
- The sixth-form provision is a strength of the school; outcomes for A Level are strong and students greatly benefit from their time there and are well informed about their options when they leave.
- The school’s curriculum is ambitious and well considered. Pupils regularly revisit knowledge so that they confidently recall their learning. Teachers provide useful feedback.
- Pupils’ conduct is calm and orderly. They behave well and treat one another with respect. Pupils are well prepared for adult life.
- Parents are positive about the school. They like its caring and supportive ethos. As one parent said, typical of others’ views, ‘All pupils are looked after and given what they need. The Bicester School go above and beyond to help students and families.’
SEND provision, personal development and behaviour were also singled out for praise, with the inspector saying: “There are high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, and these expectations are met.”
Tony Rushworth, Executive Principal of The Bicester School, said:
“I am delighted that the Ofsted team has recognised the many strengths of our school, especially the ‘genuine care’ that is shown for the pupils, our commitment to ‘provide pupils with the best possible education’, and the quality of the sixth form provision which is noted as a ‘strength of the school.’ We will now seek to build on this report to ensure that our children continue to have a high-quality education in the years ahead.”
Roger Dalrymple, Chair of Governors, said:
“This very positive report highlights the school’s strengths in providing a caring and supportive environment in which pupils can thrive, enabled by the very best teaching. All of the governors are delighted at this well-deserved result for the school, and we look forward to supporting the leadership and whole-school community in building further success for The Bicester School and its pupils.”
Joanne Harper, CEO of ALET, said:
“I am thrilled with the very positive report received following the rigorous inspection of the school. This is indeed a very special school, that delivers a high-quality education for the Bicester community. The Trust is enormously proud of the way in which strong relationships across the staff body, pupils, parents, governors and other stakeholders have enabled the school to thrive.”
The full report can be found here: http://thebicesterschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/10288052-The-Bicester-School-142024-final.pdf
