St Anne’s Church of England Academy, located in Middleton, Manchester, has recently undergone an inspection on July 10 and 11, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection grade of requires improvement. The headteacher, Chris Heyes, leads the school, which is part of the Cranmer Education Trust, overseen by CEO Julie Hollis and a board of trustees chaired by Janet Gregory.
The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where teachers are dedicated to understanding their pupils and have high expectations for their academic success. From the beginning of Year 7, clear expectations are set for pupils’ academic development, and teachers effectively support them in building on their prior knowledge. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Positive changes in the quality of education have led to improved pupil achievement across various subjects.
Pupil behaviour is generally good, with strong relationships between students and staff contributing to a safe and happy school atmosphere. The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and various clubs such as anime, debating, music, and e-sports. The curriculum is further enriched by trips, including visits to London and Italy, and plans for an international tournament in Ohio for the flag football champions.
Recent improvements in the curriculum have been supported by the trust, with strengthened staffing and appropriate training for teachers. This has raised the level of ambition and quality of the curriculum, leading to an increase in the number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects. However, published data from 2023 indicates that the progress and attainment of pupils at the end of Year 11 were below the national average, attributed to previous uneven curriculum delivery and lower attendance rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. Current pupils are benefiting from a significantly improved quality of education, resulting in better achievement.
The school has established clear core knowledge for pupils and when it should be taught. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and design activities that help pupils build a rich body of knowledge. While assessment strategies are generally effective, there are instances where they do not provide sufficient information for teachers to identify misconceptions or gaps in learning, leading to uneven learning experiences for some pupils.
The school effectively identifies additional needs and provides staff with the necessary information to adapt the curriculum for pupils with SEND, ensuring they learn well alongside their peers. A strong reading culture has been developed, with support for reluctant readers and initiatives to encourage reading across all age groups.
Behaviour expectations have been raised, with consistent application of systems by staff, resulting in calm and purposeful lessons. The school has successfully worked with families to improve attendance, although some pupils still struggle with low attendance rates, impacting their access to the full curriculum. A comprehensive programme supports pupils’ personal development, helping them understand life in modern Britain and respect diversity.
Trustees and local governing body members have a clear vision for the school, which is well understood by staff. Collaborative opportunities have reduced workload and increased staff well-being, contributing to a positive working environment. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, St Anne’s Church of England Academy is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
