Bristol’s ‘strictest school’ has a 97% disapproval rating from parents in Ofsted survey

The school has been dubbed Bristol’s strictest after figures showed it suspended close to two students a day
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A secondary school in Bristol has received an overwhelming disapproval rating from parents in an Ofsted survey.

More than 100 parents of Blaise High School students have answered 14 questions set by the education watchdog - with 97% stating they would not recommend the school to another parent. The Henbury school has tried to repair relations with parents following an ongoing rift regarding ‘militant-like’ rule-keeping which resulted in almost two suspensions a day in the last academic year.

In September 2022, unhappy parents went as far as to stage a protest outside the school’s grounds - confronting headteacher Nat Nabarro on his running of the school. The 14 questions set out by Ofsted refer to the 22/23 academic year and consist of:

1. My child is happy at this school.

2. My child feels safe at this school.

3. The school makes sure its pupils are well-behaved.

4. My child has been bullied and the school dealt with the bullying quickly and effectively.

5. The school makes me aware of what my child will learn during the year.

6. When I have raised concerns with the school they have been dealt with properly.

7. My child has SEND, and the school gives them the support they need to succeed.

8. The school has high expectations for my child.

9. My child does well at this school.

10. The school lets me know how my child is doing.

11. There is a good range of subjects available to my child at this school.

12. My child can take part in clubs and activities at this school.

13. The school supports my child’s wider personal development.

14. I would recommend this school to another parent.

Of the 103 who answered the points, 80% strongly disagreed that their child was happy at the school and 58% strongly disagreed that their child felt safe while attending Blaise High School.

Thirty-one parents responded to point seven, on Blaise’s SEND provisions - a key issue raised during previous parent protests and meetings. Of these, 90% disagreed that the school was giving SEND students the support they need to succeed.

When approached for comment on the survey’s findings, a spokesperson for Blaise told BristolWorld: “We would like to invite any parents with specific concerns to contact the school directly and we will be happy to work with them to resolve these.”

To view the full questionnaire and responses click here