St Paul’s Academy, located in Abbey Wood, London, underwent an inspection on May 25 and 26, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes were also rated as Requires Improvement, while personal development and leadership and management were rated as Good. The school, which serves students aged 11 to 16, has seen recent changes in its leadership team, including the appointment of a new principal in January 2023. These changes are already leading to significant improvements in the school’s operations and expectations for both pupils and staff.
Pupils at St Paul’s Academy feel safe and are encouraged to develop their leadership skills through various initiatives, such as fundraising events and community support activities. They participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including an annual musical production and cultural events. However, despite the positive aspects of the school community, there are concerns regarding the consistency of behavior management in classrooms, leading to instances of low-level disruption that can affect learning.
The curriculum for Years 7 and 8 is broad, but there are limitations in the time allocated to subjects like art, music, and technology. In Year 8, pupils choose their GCSE subjects, which can restrict their ability to study certain subjects in depth. New leadership has recognized this issue and is implementing changes to ensure that pupils receive a comprehensive curriculum from Years 7 to 9, allowing for a more balanced educational experience.
While teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, the quality of education varies across subjects. Some areas of the curriculum are well-planned and align with national standards, while others lack the same level of coherence and thoughtfulness. This inconsistency can hinder pupils' learning experiences. Leaders are working to address these gaps by ensuring that all subjects have clearly defined content and a logical sequence of learning.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with staff receiving improved information to make necessary adaptations. This support has helped SEND pupils gain confidence and thrive in their learning environments. Additionally, reading has been prioritized, with staff providing assistance to those who struggle, fostering a culture of reading among pupils.
St Paul’s Academy is committed to promoting personal development, offering various opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents. The school encourages respect for diversity and inclusivity, with activities that allow pupils to share their experiences and learn from one another. The leadership team has a clear vision for improvement and is focused on enhancing the quality of education and behavior expectations.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. The school fosters a positive culture around safeguarding, teaching pupils about safety and well-being. Leaders ensure timely responses to referrals and maintain clear procedures for reporting safeguarding issues.
To improve further, the school must ensure that the new curriculum plans are effectively implemented, allowing pupils to benefit from a broad and deep curriculum. Consistency in behavior management across all staff is essential to minimize disruptions in lessons. Additionally, the school should enhance the use of formative assessments to identify and address misconceptions in pupils' understanding. Overall, while St Paul’s Academy has made progress, continued efforts are needed to achieve excellence in all areas of education.
