Venture Academy

About Venture Academy

Venture Academy is a specialist academy for children and young people with an autism spectrum condition or an identified social, emotional or mental health need. We provide a personalised approach to learning that combines the nurturing approach of Early Years and Primary School with a range of curriculum and specialist teaching.

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Key Facts

Students 50

Head/Principal James Bowater

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 5.0

Teaching Quality 4.7

Communication 5.0

Student Wellbeing 4.7

Facilities 4.7

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data • 15 responses • 31.3% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

86.7% positive 13.3% negative

My child feels safe at this school

86.6% positive 13.3% negative

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

80% positive 20% negative

The school has high expectations for my child

86.7% positive 6.7% negative

My child does well at this school

86.7% positive 13.3% negative

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 15 parent responses to the official Ofsted survey.

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.

20.0:1

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Good

2.4

Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

10.7

Attainment 8

Average grade across 8 subjects

-1.68

Progress 8

Well below average

0.0%

English & Maths 9-5

Strong pass in both

0.0%

English & Maths 9-4

Standard pass in both

Additional Information

0.0% entered EBacc

0.0% achieved EBacc

10 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 4

E

Emily F Unconfirmed

Parent Sep 1, 2022

5.0

"Amazing experience for my son"

I was worried about moving my son to Venture Academy but it's been the best decision ever. The staff are so caring and understanding, and the facilities are fantastic. The values of compassion, ambition and partnership really shine through in the way they interact with the children.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

J

Joanne T Unconfirmed

Parent Feb 20, 2022

4.0

"Some great strengths but areas for improvement"

We've been really impressed with the enthusiasm and creativity of the teachers at Venture Academy, particularly in the areas of arts and sports. However, I sometimes feel that the school could do more to communicate with parents about specific issues and concerns. Overall, though, it's been a positive experience for our child.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

H

Hannah M Unconfirmed

Parent Oct 10, 2021

5.0

"A home away from home for our child"

Venture Academy has become a second home for our child, who has thrived in the supportive and nurturing environment. The staff are genuinely dedicated to their work and it shows in the way they care for each child as an individual. We feel so grateful to have found this school for our child.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

D

David B Unconfirmed

Parent Jun 15, 2021

5.0

"Supportive environment for our child"

We were so pleased with the way Venture Academy supported our child's transition from primary school. The family footings facilitator was especially helpful in getting our child settled in. Although we've since moved away, I can see the positive impact it had on our child's confidence and resilience.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful