Belmont School in Cheltenham has once again been recognized for its outstanding education, according to the latest Ofsted inspection. The special academy, which serves 191 pupils aged 4 to 16, excels in delivering tailored learning experiences that nurture each child’s potential.
Located on Warden Hill Road and part of the SAND Multi-Academy Trust, Belmont maintained its outstanding status from its previous 2018 evaluation. Inspectors visited on February 25 and 26, affirming the school’s exceptional quality under the new Ofsted framework introduced in September 2024.
The inspection report highlights the school’s strong, supportive relationships between staff and pupils as the foundation for effective learning. Pupils demonstrate exceptional behavior, confidence, and a readiness to engage with challenging concepts. Staff display notable expertise in continuously assessing and adapting the curriculum to meet individual needs, ensuring every student receives a bespoke education. For example, lessons range from basic money recognition to advanced mental arithmetic, tailored to each pupil’s level.
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A cornerstone of Belmont’s approach is communication, with pupils encouraged to express their understanding clearly. Parents have observed significant progress, including reading skills where they were once unexpected.
Beyond academics, Belmont offers an impressive variety of enrichment activities such as circus skills, dog grooming, animal care, skiing, choir performances, and educational trips to culturally significant sites like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Pupils also learn about democracy firsthand through participation in a student parliament, remarkably led by an elected pupil Prime Minister.
The school boasts exemplary behavior standards, with pupils showing politeness and kindness throughout the day. Staff are well-supported and proud to work at Belmont, benefiting from leadership that values their wellbeing and effectively manages workloads. Governance is strong, with trustees providing knowledgeable oversight and constructive challenge.
Serving pupils with education, health, and care plans, Belmont also offers SEND-focused respite services and alternative provisions. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, and no concerns were raised that would warrant a full inspection.
Overall, despite the changes to Ofsted’s inspection framework, Belmont School continues to deliver an exceptional, holistic education focused on preparing pupils for a successful adult life.