NAILSEA
PEOPLE
2023
Two Nailsea School pupils were the winners in the Rotary’s Young Photographer Competition.
From a bumper entry teacher Rachel Davies selected the best images submitted from KS3, 4 and 5 students.
Of the 20 shortlisted the photographs were then whittled down further by a small panel made up of Rotarians and a member of Backwell Camera Club.
The standard was very high and eventually the KS 4/5 winner was declared to be Harrison, aged 15, and in K3, Erin,13, who both live in Yatton.
The winners were presented with a Certificate of Achievement and an Amazon voucher by the current Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell president Andrew Bale..
The entries by the two winners now go forward to the next stage of the competition, which is a district-wide heat with up to 60 clubs submitting their local winners.
Our photos by Rotarian Roy Ackrill shows Harrison with his winning picture to the right of his certificate and Erin with hers to the right of her head
Winning young Nailsea School photographers
EXTRA EXTRA: Nailsea School has published an extra curricular directory featuring all the fun and more serious things that go on at lunchtime and after school at the Mizzymead Road campus and beyond. It lists details under the headings of sport, global citizen, support, Stem and wilderness as well as The Link external clubs and hirers. Academic pursuits are listed along with angling and wind band workshops, DofE award scheme and much, much more. Download your copy HERE
OPEN EVENING:Nailsea School is on Thursday, September 28, 5-8pm book online here https://www.nailseaschool.com/join-us/open-evening/
2024
Nailsea School
Our Westminster school visit by politic students
Two Nailsea School A-level politic students were able to attend Prime Minister's Questions after receiving tickets from the office of North Somerset MP Liam Fox.
Toby and Tom accompanied by politics teacher Ian Jones, who is head of humanities faculty, spent the afternoon at Westminster..
As well as listening to PM questions, Tom and Toby toured the Parliamentary Estate and were given a personal tour of the House of Lords by Baroness Willcox, of Newport, a former drama teacher turned politician.
Tom said: "It was fascinating to be in the heart of Westminster, being in the House of Commons, watching PMQs in person and experiencing the electric political tension in the Commons chamber.
"It really brought the textbook to life.
"I am hoping for an exam question this summer on the House of Commons as I feel the day really did open my eyes to how Parliament works in practice,
"Baroness Willcox's tour of the Lords was fascinating and her story of how she went from a drama teacher, to a local councillor, to council leader and then to the Lords was inspiring.
"A great example of the possibility of ordinary people ending up in the 'mother of all parliaments'."
Toby said: "Being in the Commons rubbing shoulders with the Ambassadors of Panama and Costa Rica, and seeing familiar political faces like Lee Anderson, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Caroline Lucas, Lord Mandelson and Sir Lindsay Hoyle was an experience I will never forget. "However, the highlight of my day was seeing Prue Leith, of Great British Bake Off meeting her Tory MP son Danny Kruger in the lobby."
The Houses of Parliament welcomes students in to learn about democracy in action and this was a great opportunity for the politics students to see the place and procedures of how the country is run.
School places
More than 97 per cent of young people in North Somerset on Friday, March 1, will be offered a place to attend one of their top three preferred secondary schools from this September.
2,561 secondary school applications were received in total for the academic year ahead, and of these 91.57 per cent (2,345 students) will be offered a place at their first-choice school.
A further 5.19 per cent (133 students) will be offered their second preference, while 1.13 per cent (29 students) will receive an offer for their third-preference school.
Only 54 students out of 2,561 will be offered a place at a school outside of their first three preferences.
Parents who have applied for places for children starting school in September 2024, or moving from Infant to Junior or First to Middle school, will receive their outcomes in April.
Nailsea School student Erin Roberts has won a Rotary regional photography competition.
And classmate Harrison Poynter was runner up in the same competition.
The images by the young people had been chosen at a local heat organised by Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club at Nailsea School late last year.
The 2023 theme was Re-building.
This saw them through to the district leg with finalists from schools all over the West Country and south Wales.
Erin’s unusual angle of The Monument built in the 17th century to commemorate the Great Fire of London won first in the intermediate class.
Harrison chose a beach sunset and he was runner-up.Rotarian community team leader Graham Cannon presented winners certificates and gift tokens to the young people.
Capital success for Nailsea School student
Schools or youth organisations who would like to enter this competition next year, please email Graham at cannongraham0@gmail.com.
He is also the contact for any other community activity for Rotary in Nailsea and Backwell.
Nailsea School sixth form has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.
Nailsea School overall is rated 'good' replacing a 2020 report from the Covid years which said, ‘requires improvement’.
HM inspection team went to the school for two days in mid-March this year and the school has issued a statement although the full report still has to be posted on the Government Ofsted website.
The school’s leadership and the Wessex Learning Trust central team were eager to share the improvements they had made since the last Ofsted visit which took place at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
Ofsted waxed lyrically about the school: “Nailsea School is a welcoming and inclusive community. Pupils are proud of their school and behave well in lessons and around the school site.”
The inspection team commented on the work that been achieved academically in terms of student progress:
It said: “The school’s curriculum is designed well in all areas. The school has identified precisely what pupils should know and in which order... Teachers are experts in their subjects...Activities enable pupils to build on prior learning and apply their knowledge in new contexts. As a result, most pupils achieve well, and the school’s published outcomes have improved over time.”
The school prides itself on its core values and ethos, which not only encourages aspiration, but inclusivity and community too, so it was of particular delight that the inspection team commented on these areas in several areas of the report.
It said: “The relationships that exist between staff and pupils underpin the culture of respect that is evident in classrooms and corridors. Low level disruption and bullying are rare. Pupils attend well because they feel safe and well cared for. Pastoral care is a strength of the school in all key stages.”
Reflecting on students with special educational needs the report comments: “The school effectively supports a high number of pupils with educational, health and care plans, including pupils who attend the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND. Additional adults support pupils well in lessons.The school monitors these pupils’ progress and ensures that all pupils are included in the wider life of the school”
Nailsea School is great, Ofsted
The sixth form at Nailsea School which since September 2022 been redeveloped by a phenomenal team, who have worked tirelessly to achieve outstanding success in just over a year.
Ofsted said: “Students in the sixth form develop confidence and independence. They have exemplary attitudes to their work and contribute meaningfully to the life of the school and wider society.”
Nailsea School headteacher Dee Elliott said: “I’m pleased that the Ofsted team were able to see the improvements that have been made within the school and sixth form.
“I have always believed in our staff and students, and I am proud that the team’s hard work has been recognised – not only in the improvement of academic outcomes, but in the development of our pastoral care and the strong sense of community, kindness and respect that brings”.
And in a letter home to families Mrs Elliot added that former chair of governors Joanna Hopkinson who sadly died last year 'would have been so proud'.
You can read the full glowing Ofsted report HERE
Another great Nailsea primary school, Ofsted
Ofsted visited Kingshill Church School and announced it continues to be a good school.
The headteacher of the Pound Lane school which is part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust is Lisa Harvey.
The primary school has 123 children on roll aged four to 11-years.
The Ofsted report says 'Pupils are happy and safe at Kingshill Church School. The school supports them to be ‘ready, respectful and safe’. Relationships are positive. Adults know pupils well. Pupils use the ‘worry box’ to share concerns with adults. Pupils feel valued. The school supports families to ensure that pupils attend well. Many pupils join at different points in the school year. They settle in quickly and are made to feel welcome. The school has high expectations of pupils. This begins in Reception Year, where children know and understand class routines. In lessons, pupils are eager to share their ideas. They have positive attitudes to learning. Adults support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities well. These pupils well access learning alongside their peers and contribute to class discussions. Adults manage behaviour effectively so that pupils learn without disruption. The offer for pupils’ wider development is carefully designed by the school. Opportunities for pupils to showcase and celebrate their work bring the community together. Pupils are proud of the leadership roles the school offers them. This includes making decisions for the school council and organising visitors to school to talk about environmental issues'.
You can read the report online in full HERE.
Grove Pre-School is good, says Ofsed report
GREAT REPORT: Grove Pre-School was re-registered in 2021 although a playschool has been on the sports and social club site for much longer. Two Ofsted inspectors visited in March 2024 and marked good in every category read/download HERE.
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/2653730?utm_source&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=report.
School leavers summer 2024
CLASS OF '24: Nailsea School sixth form summer ball was in the Heineken bar at the home of Bristol City FC at Ashton Gate
Scenes of elation on Thursday morning, August 15, at Nailsea School and its sixth form Year 13 students collected their A-level and vocational Level 3 results with 100 per cent of those that had offers to university getting a place, and many taking up a range of apprenticeships.
This year group has excelled in all areas of life at Nailsea Sixth Form, embracing the opportunities available to them through the rigorous enrichment programme, which includes aspects of community involvement alongside personalised career development.
With nearly 50 per cent of our entries achieving results of A*- A at A-level or Distinction*, said a school spokesperson.
Headteacher Dee Elliot said: "Alongside the higher range of results, we have seen some equally impressive results from students who have made huge strides in their personal development, including students who took part in the Hub our non-mainstream programme when it was first initiated.
"I am thrilled by what this means for the students and the strong foundation going forward this will provide them with”.
Assistant headteacher and head of sixth form Dave Truan said: “This year is a particularly meaningful set of results, to me personally, these students started at Nailsea Sixth Form at the same time as me – and I feel so proud of all that they have achieved, each result is a hard-won achievement and I delighted that their work has paid off and I look forward to watching their futures’ unfold.”
Apprenticeships that the Year 13 students look forward to starting include:
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GKN (Kieran J);
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Clevedon Auction House (Elliot G)
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HR Buro Happold (Theo S).
Of those starting university, a range of degrees will be covered including:
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Aeronautical Engineering - University of Bristol (Dexter G)
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Sports Management - University of Bath (Hannah L)
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Medical Imaging at UWE (Joe R)
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Illustration at Falmouth (Edie C)
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Politics at Exeter (Tom E)
Nailsea School and its sixth form believes in a community minded approach – focussing on developing well-rounded students for the future, as one parent commented regarding their son who said:
“For seven years he has been happy and has thrived – the Sixth Form is absolutely amazing and all of his teachers have inspired him and given him the most brilliant teaching, care and support”
Nailsea Sixth Form was recently graded 'outstanding' by Ofsted and is holding its open evening on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Nailsea Sixth Form Level 3 Results 2024 (on results day)
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A*/A and equivalents - 48%
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A* - B and equivalents - 73%
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A* - C and equivalents - 89%
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A* - E and equivalents - 99%
Nailsea School Level 3 results
Year 13 students at Backwell School have received their A-level and vocational subject results on Thursday morning.
Backwell students have received fantastic results and the vast majority of those who applied to university have secured places at their first-choice universities, including Oxford.
Others have secured extremely valuable degree apprenticeships and other training offers or have exciting gap year plans.
This year the school is particularly pleased to celebrate the A and A* grades of students who joined Backwell Sixth Form having not previously attended mainstream education – they are a brilliant example of students who have worked hard to achieve their potential with the support of the sixth form team and their teachers.
Headteacher Jon Nunes said: “We are incredibly proud of our year 13 students, who have met the huge challenges they have faced over the last few years with positivity and determination.
"We are looking forward to following their progress as they embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives at university, in training and employment, in many cases preceded by wonderfully exotic travel plans.
"Congratulations to all our leavers and thanks to parents/carers and Backwell staff for the support and expertise you have given them.”
Head of Sixth Form, Rose Haywood said: “The sixth form team is delighted to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful students and we are very proud of how hard they have worked.
"Support and guidance for future plans will be available on an ongoing basis for those who want help or advice. We wish them all the very best of luck for their next steps."
The Sixth Form Open Evening for September 2025 entry is on Thursday, October 24, 5-7.15pm.
Please check school website for its Sixth Form Course information booklet 2025-2027 and online application form.
Backwell School Year 13 exams
It was another great opportunity for reflection and celebration at Nailsea School on Thursday morning, August 22, as students collected their GCSE and other Level 2 results.
The day symbolised not only a fantastic set of outcomes but also signified five years of broader personal achievements for the class of 2024.
The school has continued its upward trajectory, with this being the sixth consecutive year of improved progress scores and half of all entries in English and maths being awarded a Grade 5 or above.
All students have made strong progress, irrespective of their starting points with 22 per cent of all grades being awarded 9-7 (A*-A under the old measure).
Headteacher Dee Elliott said: “It was brilliant seeing our community of students this morning collecting a fantastic set of grades, but it's important to remember that there are many narratives that sit behind each set of outcomes.
"Yet again our staff have had the privilege to work with students and families helping to transform the life chances of the students that collected results today.
"Within this cohort we have had students join us new to this country, where English might not be their first language as well as others who have had to show great levels of resilience to be here collecting results.
"Irrespective of how many passes they are collecting and the grades they have achieved – I know these students’ journeys and I'm really proud of all students and staff that are part of #TeamNailsea and I look forward to hearing about their future successes."
Among the students celebrating today many will continue at Nailsea Sixth Form.
These include Edith D who was overwhelmed with her four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and A Distinction* in Health and Social Care and James R who opened his envelope to find he had achieved six Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and a Distinction* in Enterprise and Marketing.
Others students will be taking up apprenticeships in the work place, and studying further afield including Edwina W who achieved seven Grade 9s and two Grade 8s with nine grades being achieved in maths, biology, chemistry and physics.
To find out more about places at Nailsea School open evening is on Thursday, September 26.
Nailsea School Class of 2024
Year 11 results
Backwell School Class of 2024
Year 11 results
Backwell year 11 pupils were in school on Thursday, August 22, to collect their results and to celebrate their impressive achievements.
This cohort had the first few years of their secondary education hugely affected by the Covid pandemic.
Despite this, these pupils have shown huge resilience and positivity.
We saw their hard work and seriousness throughout the GCSE courses and, especially, during the examination period itself.
It is, therefore, very satisfying to note the exceptional progress this year group had made against national measures.
It is especially pleasing to see that the vast majority of Backwell students had secured a place at the institution and course of their choice for the next stage of their education.
Headteacher Jon Nunes said: “Congratulations to all our year 11 students.
"You should be incredibly proud of your hard work and achievements.
"We can’t wait to continue working with many of you in Backwell Sixth Form and look forward to following with equal interest the progress of those who have chosen alternative courses or training next year.”
The award-winning alcohol awareness theatre production Smashed is performing at Nailsea School are part of its nationwide tour.
Smashed will be visiting 12 schools across the south west including Nailsea School on Monday, September 16.
The production helps secondary-school children understand the facts, causes and consequences of underage drinking by combining theatre with interactive workshops.
Alcohol education programme Smashed celebrates 20 years in Great Britain with largest secondary school tour to date
During the 2023-24 school year, Smashed reached more than 80,000 students in Great Britain.
Smashed has educated over 580,000 students in Great Britain and 5.5 million students globally.
A staggering 73 per cent of students stated that they were less likely to drink alcohol underage following Smashed performances globally.
Smashed, an international educational theatre production by Collingwood Learning and supported by Diageo, will visit 12 schools in Bristol and North Somerset over an eight day timetable.
Smashed uses professional actors to present a 25-minute performance followed by a 35-minute workshop where participants reflect on the themes and answer questions about the choices made by the characters.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by fostering a culture of health and well-being among adolescents, a critical demographic for instilling lifelong healthy habits.
Smashed works in close collaboration with Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs), an organisation which brings together councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers, and community groups across the UK to reduce alcohol related harm among young people.
Despite progress UK Government data shows that hospital admissions for alcohol-specific conditions among under 18s in Bristol are above England’s national average.
Diageo GB managing director Nuno Teles said: “I am so proud that Smashed has reached its 20th year in Great Britain.
"This really is a testament to the incredible impact of the programme worldwide, consistently delivering a fantastic learning experience for young people with a proven significant increase in understanding of the dangers of underage drinking.
Smashed at Nailsea School
"At Diageo, we are deeply committed to tackling underage drinking and we hope that the students we are visiting across the Bristol area will not only gain valuable insights from the performances, but also leave better informed and prepared to make responsible choices about alcohol.”
FACT FILE
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83 per cent of students stated they had ‘some’ or ‘lots’ of knowledge about the risks of drinking alcohol underage89 per cent of students stated that they feel equipped to make the right choices about drinking alcohol
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87 per cent of students stated that if they or someone they knew were having problems with alcohol, they would know where to get help
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73 per cent% of students stated that they were less likely to drink alcohol underage following the Smashed performance
Schools not reached by the live tour also can take part in Smashed Online.
To find out more go to https://online.smashedproject.org/gb/
St Francis 'good' Ofsted
A Catholic primary school has been described as a 'school reborn' by Ofsted inspectors.
St Francis RC Primary, at Station Road, Nailsea, was given a ‘good’ rating across the board by Ofsted in each of the report categories, representing a turnaround since the previous school’s last inspection in 2020.
In 2020, St Francis was judged to be ‘Inadequate’, the lowest grade a school could receive, before closing in 2022 and joining the Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust.
The latest inspection last month, the first since reopening, found that the school 'initially stabilised and now thrives' since being part of the Trust.
Trust CEO Dr Danny Doyle, said the inspection is a 'profound moment' in the school’s journey. He added that the report was just the beginning for the school.
The report said: “St Francis is a school reborn. Following the difficulties of the predecessor school and the move into the trust, the school initially stabilised, and it now thrives. The school has high ambition for its pupils, by the end of key stage two, they achieve well.
“Pupils are wonderful ambassadors for their school, they are polite, courteous and eloquent and in class, they behave well. St Francis has a nurturing ethos. Older pupils support their younger peers at lunchtimes.
“Adults know pupils well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. They help to adapt their learning as necessary.”
The school ensures that pupils know the importance of 'contributing to society' by raising money for a variety of charities and the school choir performs in elderly homes. Pupils are prepared for the next stage of education by the time they leave the primary school.
The report added: “Relationships with parents and carers are highly positive. All parents who completed the Ofsted Parent View survey would recommend the school. They value the visibility of the leadership team and the well-rounded education pupils receive.”
Ofsted heaped praise on to the Trust for guiding the school in its improvements, including in safeguarding where concerns were raised in 2020. Ofsted said safeguarding, as well as other issues, were tackled with urgency, leading to the school being a safer place and staff telling inspectors about the support received from the leadership team.
St Francis has had support in developing its curriculum by obtaining expertise from other schools in the Trust.
The curriculum is now 'well-thought-out and logically ordered'.Training means teachers know what to teach and how to teach it, meaning pupils can recall knowledge in the long-term.The use of assessments is still in development and as a result, some pupils do not extend knowledge when capable.
The phonics programme in early years has improved, however the
previous curriculum has left some pupils with gaps in their skills, but additional support has meant they are now starting to catch up.
The report said: “The school keeps a close eye on pupils’ attendance. It forensically analyses any changes and takes action as necessary. Consequently, pupils’ attendance is improving and close to national figures.
“The school’s Catholic ethos permeates its work, however, pupils also experience other faiths and cultures. They visit places of worship and participate in events such as ‘International Mass’ days.
"This helps to prepare them for life in modern Britain.
“Governors and trustees keep a close eye on the school’s performance. They are not afraid to challenge leaders if necessary."
Cath Hanley, the chair of the governors, said: “The governors are so very pleased with the outcome of this inspection.
"We would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all our staff, both past and present, they have all worked so hard, placing the children at the centre of everything they do.
“An achievement like this is not something that happens overnight and this judgement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire school community, from our delightful children to our committed staff and wonderfully supportive parents.”
Congratulations to Phoenix House pupils at Nailsea School who collected an incredible amount of donated groceries and more for the community larder and food bank run from 26 Somerset Square.
The student led campaign involved a light-hearted house competition where each tutor group was encouraged to bring in donations for the worthy cause.
In total 275 items were donated these included toiletries and cleaning products as well as lots of food items such as tinned fruit, tea-bags, biscuits, pasta and other savoury items.
The winning tutor group were Phoenix 5 – each tutor group is made up of a range of year groups from Year 7 to 11 in the vertical house system.
Headteacher Dee Elliot said: "The competition was a fun way to raise the profile of the work the volunteer community group undertakes.
"I’m really proud that our students have been pro-active in supporting our community, it is heart-warming that they have decided to put others first in such a practical and successful way.”
Nailsea Community Group run the food service, helping families in need with supplies, and also helping to distribute supermarket stock that would otherwise go to waste and landfill.
Phoenix House captains Aaron and Lowena, pictured, helped the NCG volunteers load up the staggering amount of groceries.
Phoenix House represent a quarter of the main school pupils – and this is the first of many challenges and quizzes each house will undertake.
Nailsea School food bank harvest
