Camborne Science Academy latest Ofsted inspection report

Camborne Science and International Academy in Cranberry Road, Camborne, was given the rating after its recent inspection.

The school, which has been part of Athena Learning Trust since the start of the year, is home to 1,826 students, including 172 sixth form students.

Camborne Science and International Academy (Image: Camborne Science and International Academy)

Inspectors found that pupils attending this school, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are part of a community where staff have the highest expectations.

They noted that clear and consistent rules and routines ensure that pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and most display good conduct around the school.

Inspectors found that the school is "highly ambitious for this disadvantaged community".

It continued: "As well as expecting the highest standards of behaviour, leaders have constructed a well-sequenced, broad and relevant curriculum."

The Ofsted report also highlighted the school’s work is rooted in a clear moral purpose to improve outcomes for all pupils.

Inspectors noted that in order to increase its rating even higher, assessments could be improved, confidence in the school within the community needed to be developed, and attendence needed to be improved further. 

The report states: "The school’s curriculum is still developing and embedding. This means that, sometimes, the use of assessment is not as helpful as it could be.

"The school has tackled with good effect several historic weaknesses in a short amount of time. However, it has not successfully secured the confidence of some members of the community about why these changes were needed or what difference they will make. This means that some members of the school’s community, including pupils and parents, lack confidence in what the school is trying to do.

"The school should improve how it engages and communicates with all members of the community so that they pull together in the same direction.

"The school’s strategies for improving attendance, although robust, are new. This means, although attendance is improving, there are still too many pupils who do not attend as well as they should. The school should embed and refine its strategies to ensure that more pupils attend well."

Emma Haase, the school's principal, said: "We are extremely proud that the continued hard work and efforts of everyone in our school community have been recognised with this incredibly positive Ofsted report.

"It is excellent to hear that Ofsted noted how we are always driving to improve outcomes and create opportunities for all our students, alongside strengthening our curriculum and learning provision in collaboration with our wider Athena Learning Trust family."

Camborne Science and International Academy was rated Good (Image: Camborne Science and International Academy)

Additionally, Ofsted inspectors lauded the school for ensuring that pupils learn about different cultures and beliefs through "copious international trips, visits and work experience."

They also appreciated the school's determination to increase uptake of English Baccalaureate subjects, with focussed efforts on modern foreign languages.

Moreover, the well-designed and implemented curriculum in the sixth form received special mention from the inspectors.

The school was commended for prioritising the need to improve attendance.

Inspectors found that strategies have been developed to tackle persistent absence and improve overall attendance, which have resulted in visible improvements.

Ms Haase concluded: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at Camborne Science and International Academy, our incredible students, and our parents, carers and wider community for their continued collaboration and support, which have made this result possible."