Centre Academy East Anglia
Brettenham, Ipswich, IP7 7QR
Pupils
59
Ages
7 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Lisa Gilbert
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£11,000 to £12,075
ISC Associations
ISA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Check school website
About Centre Academy East Anglia
Centre Academy East Anglia, located in Ipswich, is a Co-educational independent school catering for boys and girls aged seven to 18. The school follows a non-denominational ethos, welcoming students from all faiths and backgrounds. With a focus on providing a supportive and inclusive environment, the school aims to foster both academic and personal growth among its pupils.
The school offers a broad curriculum that includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside a range of other subjects including History, Geography, and Art. The emphasis on a well-rounded education is evident in the variety of subjects available, ensuring that students have the opportunity to explore their interests and develop a diverse skill set. The school also places importance on extra-curricular activities, encouraging students to participate in sports, music, and drama, which helps to build confidence and teamwork skills.
One of the key strengths of Centre Academy East Anglia is its commitment to individualised learning. With a relatively small student body, the school is able to offer personalised attention to each pupil, ensuring that their unique needs and abilities are met. This is particularly beneficial for students who may require additional support, as the school’s dedicated staff, including the Head of Learning Support, work closely with them to provide tailored assistance.
The school’s facilities are designed to support a comprehensive educational experience. Classrooms are well-equipped with modern technology, and there are specialised rooms for subjects such as Science and Art. The school also boasts a library that provides a quiet space for study and research, as well as a range of resources to support learning across the curriculum.
Centre Academy East Anglia places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of its students. The school recognises the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported. This is reflected in the school’s pastoral care system, which ensures that students have access to guidance and support whenever they need it. The school also promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity, encouraging students to develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers.
The school’s approach to education is underpinned by a commitment to high standards and continuous improvement. This is evident in the school’s academic performance, with students achieving strong results across a range of subjects. The school’s dedicated teaching staff play a crucial role in this success, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles. Their passion for teaching and commitment to their students’ success is a defining feature of the school.
In addition to its academic offerings, Centre Academy East Anglia provides a range of opportunities for personal development. The school encourages students to take on leadership roles, participate in community service projects, and engage in activities that promote personal growth and social responsibility. These experiences help to prepare students for life beyond school, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their future endeavours.
Overall, Centre Academy East Anglia offers a supportive and inclusive educational environment that prioritises the individual needs of its students. With a strong focus on academic excellence, personal development, and wellbeing, the school provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success both in and out of the classroom.
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ISI Review
Centre Academy East Anglia is a co-educational day and boarding school catering for pupils with special educational needs aged between four and nineteen years. Established in 2010, the school is owned by Mr. Michael Murphy and Mrs. Margaret Murphy, with an advisory board that includes the principal, headteacher, and the head of Centre Academy London. The school currently has 62 pupils enrolled, with a diverse range of families represented. The majority of pupils live within a ten-mile radius, and all have special educational needs, including conditions such as dyslexia, autism, and attention deficit disorder. The school aims to provide excellence in education, focusing on literacy and numeracy while fostering confidence, self-esteem, and social skills underpinned by Christian values.
The school underwent a regulatory compliance inspection in May 2021, which highlighted several key findings. The Independent Schools Inspectorate, responsible for inspecting schools that are members of the Independent Schools Council, conducted the inspection to assess compliance with the Independent School Standards. The inspection was a compliance-only review, meaning it focused solely on whether the school met the required standards.
The inspection revealed that the school does not meet all the required standards outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Specifically, the quality of education provided was found to be satisfactory, with pupils making good progress in their learning. The curriculum is documented and supported by appropriate plans, enabling effective teaching and assessment. However, there were concerns regarding the school's safeguarding practices. Staff were unclear about current statutory safeguarding guidance, and the school did not effectively monitor the impact of their training. Additionally, the whistleblowing policy lacked clarity, and information from safeguarding and pastoral records was not sufficiently collated, which could lead to overlooked welfare considerations for individual pupils.
The inspection also assessed the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, finding that the school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate personal development. The standards in this area were met. In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school was found to promote good behavior and prevent bullying, but there were significant concerns regarding safeguarding practices. The school must implement a training program to ensure staff understand and consistently apply safeguarding requirements. Furthermore, the school must restrict access to boarding accommodations to ensure the safety of pupils.
The inspection highlighted that the school makes appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and maintains a register as required. The premises and accommodation were found to meet the necessary standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs. The school also publishes a range of information for parents and complies with the requirements for handling complaints effectively.
However, the leadership and management of the school were found lacking. There was insufficient differentiation between governance and operational roles, leading to unclear statutory requirements and ineffective monitoring of safeguarding practices. The report emphasized the need for the proprietors to clarify the governance structure and ensure that those responsible for governance possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
The inspection evidence included lesson observations, formal interviews with pupils, and discussions with staff and leadership. The inspectors analyzed responses from pre-inspection questionnaires and examined various documentation provided by the school. The overall findings indicated that while some standards were met, significant areas required immediate action to address deficiencies, particularly in safeguarding and leadership.
In summary, Centre Academy East Anglia is committed to providing quality education for pupils with special educational needs, but the recent inspection revealed critical areas for improvement. The school must enhance its safeguarding practices, clarify governance roles, and ensure effective monitoring of policies and procedures to promote the well-being of its pupils consistently. The inspection serves as a crucial opportunity for the school to address these issues and continue its mission of supporting and educating its students effectively.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024