Primary Learning Mentor

The Bemrose School is a very different school from the vast majority of schools in this country, recently described in our March 2018 Ofsted inspection as ‘a gem of a school’. These differences are very difficult to sum up in a few words and nothing beats a visit. If you are interested in working within a context, which is stimulating and hugely rewarding with a great team of adults and some wonderful children and young people, then please read on…

‘Pupils value their school. Behaviour is good’ Ofsted March 18

The Bemrose School is a thriving foundation, mixed comprehensive school. We became a 3 – 19 school from September 2014. We are situated about one mile west of Derby City Centre. We have a growing primary phase with an admission limit of 60 places in all years. We are filling rapidly in all years and will be very close to full in 2021. There are currently over 350 children in our primary phase, over 900 pupils in Years 7 to 11 who are all organised into four houses and we have a growing and very successful sixth form of 80.

‘Teachers are extremely complimentary about the support and professional development they receive. An array of training opportunities is provided’ Ofsted March 18

Our primary phase opened in September 2014 and in January 2015, we moved into our new fantastic £4 million purpose built building. In April 2015, we opened our Nursery facility that continues to grow and thrive as part of our Early Years Foundation Stage unit. These buildings were extended in 2017 by four additional classrooms. It truly is a very exciting time to be part of our growing Bemrose family. The school is part way through a rebuild and refurbishment program to transform the main building. Phase I and II are complete with a new state of the art building and the refurbishment is well underway in our historic building fit for the 21st Century. This will conclude in September 2021.

‘In key stages 1 and 2 teachers plan many opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge, understanding and skills. Pupils frequently apply their mathematical skills to solve complex problems.’ Ofsted March 18

The Sixth form provision is friendly, personal and based on wanting the very best, whatever a pupil’s academic ability. We ask (in fact insist on) that pupils are ambitious for them self, are prepared to work hard and are willing to support the continuing improvement of the school in the way that they work and behave. Last year, 100% achieved A*- E and average grade per entry was C. Results at A level, put us fourth in the city with our best ever results. Our post 16 pupils are the role models for the rest of the school – they have to be willing to get involved in the life of the school and to provide a good example for the younger pupils.  We have been rarely disappointed in recent years and we are always delighted when a Bemrose pupil achieves their goals. 100% of pupils applying gained a place in their 1st choice university last year.

‘Teaching is strong in the sixth form. Teachers are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. They show great commitment. Pupils are fulsome in their praise of the impact their teachers have had on their future education’ Ofsted March 18

The majority of our secondary aged pupils come from primary schools in west and south-west Derby and are representative of a wide range of ethnic groupings. In our all through school, 53% of our pupils speak English as an additional language and our pupil premium percentage stands at 60%.

‘The collective determination of all staff … is palpable. There is much joy in this school. Pupils value their teachers, and the rich and diverse community in which they learn.’ Ofsted March 18

We work daily with a small number of pupils who require a varied enhanced provision including an excellent Inclusion and Language Support Unit. We are also proud to have an Enhanced Resource facility and a linked unit ‘Elmtree’ for children with communication difficulties and autism.

‘Comprehensive support is in place to make sure that the vast majority of pupils, including those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, are safe in school and are learning well.’ Ofsted March 18

Our examination results are rising overall. Our Progress 8 figures has improved by 1.0 in the last 5 years. Our benchmarking and tracking of pupil performance reveals further promising signs of improving attainment at KS5. Our expected and above expected progress measures are higher than many other Derby schools. Effective teaching and learning, positive behaviour management and an appropriate relevant curriculum framework support this. We set and expect high standards.

‘Leaders’ information and work in pupils’ books indicate that a greater proportion of pupils in key stage 3 than previously are developing the required knowledge, skills and understanding. A large proportion of pupils are making the progress expected for their age, including disadvantaged pupils. Pupils’ progress is accelerating, particularly in English and mathematics.’ Ofsted March 18

Following inspections in 2012 and an English subject inspection in 2013, which were both ‘good’, we were inspected in December 2015. This inspection judged us as requiring improvement. This was the correct judgement in this framework for the school. We were inspected again in March 2018 and we are immensely proud to say ‘we are a good school’.

‘……all pupils will succeed, no matter what their circumstance or background. This determination is shared by all leaders and all staff. Pupils thrive in this highly inclusive school’ Ofsted March 18