Basildon Upper Academy rated good by Ofsted after inspection

Basildon Upper Academy, in Wickford Avenue, has earned a “Good” rating from Ofsted following a two-day inspection on November 8 and 9.

Inspectors recognised that a significant effort has been made to improve since the school was ordered to shape up and rated “requires improvement” in 2019.

The report, published on Friday, said: “Pupils say that everyone is valued here and treated with respect.

“Pupils appreciate the guidance and support that the school gives them to be the best they can be. As a result, there are positive relationships between staff and pupils.

“The curriculum at Basildon Upper Academy is well thought out. It is carefully planned with staff from the Basildon Lower Academy.

“These plans identify what pupils need to know. It breaks down this knowledge into manageable chunks so that pupils can build on previous knowledge securely.

“There are frequent checks on what pupils have learned.”

At the time of the inspection there were 917 pupils at the school, all aged between 14 and 19.

The school, which sits next to the Lower Academy, provides education for Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, as well as sixth form students.

The school was rated “good” in all areas apart from behaviour and attitudes where they were rated “requires improvement”.

Inspectors added: “Although the school has increasingly high expectations of how pupils conduct themselves, pupils’ behaviour is not always managed effectively. This is because some pupils and staff do not fully understand what these expectations are, and why they are in place.

“There is some disruption to lessons as a result.”

Rebecca Rees, headteacher at The Basildon Upper Academy, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted appreciated our unique offer designed to maximize the exceptional talents of our school community. We are on a journey to outstanding that I am sure we will achieve with our never-ending pursuit of the absolute best for our students.”