The grading marks another milestone moment in the continuing success story of the school and BEST.

Pix Brook first opened in September 2019 in a temporary home in the grounds of another BEST school, Etonbury Academy. Just down the road, a muddy field was being transformed into the school’s new permanent site – which opened in September 2020.

At the time, Principal Steve Adams had said that moment was only half the story, and that Pix Brook would subsequently be judged by the quality of its provision. Now, with glowing praise from Ofsted inspectors – including Behaviour and Attitudes, and Leadership and Management being judged as Outstanding – this rewarding next chapter has been written.

Mr Adams said: “This Ofsted report represents a pivotal moment in the life of Pix Brook Academy. The framework for a new school is exactly the same as for any other school and, although we have grown as fast as any school in the country over the last four years, including living through the pandemic, we were rightly required to have everything in place that any other school would.

“It is particularly pleasing the inspectors noted how well our pupils behave and their attitude towards their learning – the Outstanding judgement here is well deserved and is reflective of how well our pupils respond to the high expectations the school has of them.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their continued support of the school in this area. It is only by working together that judgements at this level can be achieved.

“It is also most gratifying that inspectors recognised some of the challenges we faced in growing so rapidly over the last few years by judging Leadership and Management as outstanding. Every member of staff at Pix Brook and BEST has worked incredibly hard to ensure our provision is of the highest calibre and that every opportunity is taken to ensure what we provide is as good as it can be.

“I believe it is by working collaboratively with our colleagues in the BEST Central Team and within the broader school environment that we have achieved this outcome and is testament to the ethos and support of a genuinely pupil-focussed organisation.”

BEST Chief Executive Officer Dr Alan Lee said: “I am delighted by Pix Brook Academy’s thoroughly-deserved and excellent Ofsted report. Pix Brook was built and opened at the height of the global pandemic and, of course, there are many people and organisations to thank for this great achievement and continuing success.

“Benefitting from Department of Education funding, school and BEST staff and governors, working with Central Bedfordshire Council and builders Willmott Dixon, delivered an award-winning build on time and in budget. Further, the build includes over £1 million of IT equipment, installed by Partnership Education.”

Dr Lee said it was “apt” the Ofsted report identified both Leadership and Management and Behaviour and Attitudes as Outstanding features of the school. 

“Leading such a diverse group of stakeholders, whilst ensuring the quality of education in school is excellent and pupils and staff continue to thrive, is a remarkable achievement. And, as visitors to the school regularly comment, the pupils’ approach to learning and the way they support one another is exemplary.”

He added: “Congratulations and thank you to the whole Pix Brook and wider BEST community. I am an incredibly proud CEO.”

Chair of Governors Christian Turton said: "I am very proud to be the Chair of Governors at Pix Brook Academy. The full report is an excellent read that reflects the incredible leadership from the Principal and the commitment and hard work of every teacher and member of staff."

* The opening of Pix Brook Academy was the focus of our first BEST Success Story, which we published in late 2020 to mark the school moving in to its permanent home. Download the case study below.