The Victory Academy is a welcoming and supportive school located in Chatham, Kent, known for its strong staff-pupil relationships. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel valued and understood, which is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle with learning. The ethos of the school emphasizes respect for diversity, with pupils expressing a sense of belonging and the freedom to be themselves. High standards are set by the leadership team, and most pupils adhere to the established routines and expectations. The overall quality of education is rated as good, with pupils generally enjoying their learning experiences.
The curriculum has been enhanced in recent years to ensure it is ambitious and inclusive for all students. A notable improvement has been the increase in the number of pupils studying modern foreign languages, addressing previous shortcomings in meeting national educational standards. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear objectives for knowledge and skills progression from Year 7 to Year 13. This logical sequencing helps pupils build on their learning effectively, with key concepts revisited to reinforce understanding.
Reading is a priority at The Victory Academy, with numerous opportunities provided for pupils to engage with texts. The school recognizes that many students arrive with lower-than-expected reading abilities and offers substantial support, including phonics instruction. However, there is an acknowledgment that further training for staff is necessary to better assist the weakest readers.
Teachers at the academy are generally knowledgeable in their subjects and employ effective teaching strategies. Lessons are organized to facilitate learning, with a focus on developing pupils' spoken skills through collaborative discussions. While most subjects are well-taught, some inconsistencies have arisen due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing challenges, leading to gaps in learning for some pupils. The school has taken prompt action to address these issues and improve overall pupil achievement.
Pupils receive constructive feedback on their work, although there are instances where this feedback could be more precise. Attendance and punctuality are areas of focus for school leaders, who are actively working to improve these metrics by collaborating with families and external agencies.
The school provides robust career guidance, particularly for older pupils and sixth-form students, helping them to develop good habits for future success. Extracurricular opportunities, including university visits, are available to enhance pupils' educational experiences. The pastoral support system is effective, with staff readily available to assist pupils facing challenges.
Governance at The Victory Academy is strong, with the multi-academy trust playing a crucial role in supporting the school. Resources have been allocated to help pupils catch up on missed learning, and staff morale is high, with many valuing the professional development opportunities provided.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a dedicated team ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff are vigilant and proactive in reporting concerns, and pupils feel comfortable seeking help. The school emphasizes the importance of teaching pupils how to stay safe in various contexts.
Despite the overall positive assessment, there are areas for improvement. Consistency in curriculum delivery and behavior management across subjects needs to be strengthened to ensure all pupils achieve their potential. Additionally, enhancing communication regarding the handling of bullying incidents will help build trust among pupils. Addressing these areas will further solidify The Victory Academy's commitment to providing a high-quality education for all its students.
