Backwell School

Specialties

Backwell School is a specialist arts college and sixth form which takes students from the age of 11 (Year 7) to the age of 18 (Year 13). It is also a designated National Teaching School and International School as a result of the high standards of teaching in the school, and its focus on high quality professional development.

History

Established in 1954.

The original secondary modern school at Backwell became a comprehensive school in 1976 when the tripartite education system was abolished in the area. The school’s original building dates from 1954, when Britain was in the midst of a post-​war school-​building boom.

In 2009, 71% of GCSE pupils achieved at least five GCSE passes above grade C including English and Maths. This is 21% above the national average that year. It is the highest performing state secondary school in North Somerset.

In November 2008, Backwell School was rated as outstanding by Ofsted. It was inspected again in May 2013 (no. 413 323) due to the school having converted to academy 2 years previous. It was again judged to be outstanding in all categories.

In 2015 Backwell School Radio was set up by a small group of students and has been continually growing ever since.

Meet the Manager

Julian B.

Manager

As Headteacher of Backwell School Julian Baldwin says he is committed to ensuring that a comprehensive school like Backwell provides an excellent all-​round education for all the young people of our community and that they reach their full potential, whatever their ability.

He gained a dual honours degree in modern languages at Oxford University and then taught in Manchester for 20 years. Prior to beginning his current role as headteacher he served as Deputy Head of the school for five years. He is also a designated National Leader in Education by the National College for Teaching and Leadership.