A popular school in Bristol is on a mission to help its pupils realise their aspirations and dreams.
E-ACT Ilminster Avenue Academy in Knowle is a true community where staff, children, and parents work closely together.
The academy welcomes children from Reception to Year 6, fostering an environment where children can be proud of their achievements, confident in their abilities, and successful in pursuing their dreams.
Ilminster Avenue believes pupil success comes from a shared vision embraced by all members of the academy and the wider community.
It aims to promote connections to create a culture of learning, fostering growth and success, while encouraging everyone to remember the three Bs: be safe, be kind, and be your best.
Guided by the motto, ‘Inspiring big dreams, creating proud people’, the academy believes that a diverse curriculum is key to engaging and motivating students.
It does this by making links across the curriculum, creating wow opportunities and using expertise from the local community.
High expectations
Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, inspectors noted that leaders are ambitious for pupils and their school, and are “rightly proud of the good progress that pupils make during their time at the school”.
They added: “Leaders, supported robustly by the trust, keep a close eye on the quality of teaching.
“Most pupils benefit from carefully planned lessons that develop and deepen their knowledge over time… Pupils respond well to the high expectations for behaviour.”
Core values
Learning at E-ACT Ilminster Avenue Academy is founded on core values that emphasise individual achievement while fostering understanding and respect for others.
The academy is a caring community that values personal, social, and emotional development alongside academic and creative achievement.
The engaging curriculum ensures every child enjoys their learning experience, as evidenced by pupils regularly expressing their happiness and sense of safety at the school.
Enhancing the school environment
Parental engagement is crucial to the success of the students at Ilminster Avenue Academy.
The school regularly invites parents to participate in their children’s learning journeys and celebrate their achievements.
It offers wrap-around care to parents and carers with breakfast and after-school provision.
There is a wide selection of after-school clubs for pupils to further their interests in sports, arts and other curriculum areas.
Associate governors (a group of children who lead and drive improvements at the academy) meet the school council weekly to share student feedback, develop new ideas, and discuss key issues to enhance the school environment.
Positive contribution to the community
E-ACT Ilminster Avenue Academy is led by a dedicated team committed to doing the right thing and thinking big.
Executive Headteacher Jonathan Arthur said: “We want the children to know that the smallest voice can make the biggest change.
“We want the children to become accustomed to asking questions as evolution and change do not happen by doing what has always been done.
“We want the children not to be led by national, or media-induced stereotypes and to form their own perspective of the knowledge we give.
“The purpose of this is to inspire the children to contribute positively to their community through carefully planned career-centred activities.”
Find out for yourself
Find out more about E-ACT Ilminster Avenue Academy at a pupil-parent open evening on Monday, September 23, at 3.30pm. Alternatively, you can book a tour with the headteacher on request.
For further information and to book your place, call 0117 903 0261, email receptionilm@e-act.org.uk or see ilminsteravenueacademy.e-act.org.uk
