Trinity Academy, located in Church Balk, Thorne, Doncaster, is a secondary comprehensive school that has recently undergone an inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school has received an overall effectiveness rating of Good, reflecting significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as Requires Improvement. The principal, Victoria Gibson, leads the school, which is part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation, overseen by CEO Mark Pike and a board of trustees chaired by Stewart McKinlay.
The school is characterized by its inclusive environment where pupils are valued as individuals. The education provided is rooted in a strong Christian ethos, fostering excellent relationships between pupils and teachers. Pupils feel safe and supported, which contributes to their positive attitudes towards learning. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with low levels of disruption during lessons and a sensible, quiet movement around the school premises. While most pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards their education, a small minority express uncertainty about their enjoyment and the value of learning. In contrast, sixth-form students report high levels of satisfaction with their lessons and actively participate in school leadership.
Trinity Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and community service initiatives, which encourage pupils to engage with their local community. The school emphasizes the importance of personal pride in both academic and personal presentation, which is evident in pupils' conduct and work. The curriculum has been revised to ensure that it is ambitious and prepares pupils for future educational and career opportunities. Although recent changes have not yet fully reflected in external examination outcomes, current pupils are making good progress, particularly in vocational and applied courses.
Teachers employ diverse instructional strategies to enhance knowledge retention and skill acquisition among pupils. Techniques such as 'Do Now' tasks help pupils connect prior knowledge with current learning. However, there are instances where opportunities to develop pupils' oracy skills are overlooked. The school provides adequate support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and new quality assurance measures are in place to maintain high teaching standards across all lessons.
Reading, literacy, and writing are prioritized within the curriculum, with pupils engaging in activities designed to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills. The school has effectively identified and supported weaker readers, leading to significant progress. Additionally, older students mentor younger pupils in reading, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Behavioural standards have improved due to the consistent application of a new behavioural policy, resulting in a notable reduction in suspensions. The school actively promotes high attendance rates and works diligently to maintain them.
The personal development programme is rooted in a Christian ethos, teaching pupils about core virtues and essential life skills, including online safety and healthy relationships. While sixth-form students receive comprehensive education on various themes, some pupils feel that their understanding of world faiths and protected characteristics is superficial. School leaders have made substantial improvements since the last inspection, utilizing performance data to inform strategies, although there is room for more consistent action on this data to drive further enhancements.
The safeguarding arrangements at Trinity Academy are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, some disadvantaged pupils do not achieve their potential in external examinations, indicating a need for continued focus on embedding improvements in educational quality. Overall, Trinity Academy demonstrates a commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment, with ongoing efforts to enhance pupil outcomes and educational standards.
