Dartmouth Academy, located in Devon, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on April 20 and 21, 2023. The school serves pupils aged three to sixteen and is part of the Education South West multi-academy trust. The inspection highlighted the overall effectiveness of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at Dartmouth Academy report feeling happy and valued, embracing the school's ethos of being their best selves. The small size of the school fosters strong relationships among pupils and staff, contributing to a welcoming environment for new students. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sailing and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, ensuring that pupils have opportunities for personal growth and leadership. Leaders are proactive in supporting pupils during transitions and are committed to providing a broad range of experiences.
The curriculum is well-sequenced, starting from the early years and preparing children for formal learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in key stage three, where some subject curriculums are still under development. This has led to inconsistencies in the sequencing of the curriculum for Year 8 and Year 9. In the early years, teachers effectively track children's progress and provide strong interactions that support their development.
Leaders are ambitious for pupils to be well-prepared for their future education. More pupils are now studying academic subjects that contribute to the English Baccalaureate, enhancing their readiness for post-16 pathways. The school has implemented a systematic reading program to support early readers, although some pupils in the primary phase may become overly dependent on staff support, hindering their progress.
Teachers are encouraged to help pupils recall previous learning, which aids in consolidating knowledge. However, there are instances where pupils do not concentrate effectively during retrieval activities. The school has raised expectations for learning, and pupils generally respond well to these standards. In the primary phase, behavior expectations are communicated in various ways, but there is a need for greater clarity.
Dartmouth Academy provides pupils with insights into different career choices, engaging them with employers and speakers. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-planned, teaching pupils about respect and diversity in an age-appropriate manner. Recent leadership appointments have strengthened the school's capacity, and staff feel supported through a structured professional development program.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective. Staff are well-trained and vigilant in identifying and reporting safeguarding needs, ensuring that vulnerable pupils receive necessary support. Pupils are educated about personal and online risks, contributing to their sense of safety and well-being.
To improve, the school needs to address the over-support of younger pupils in reading, ensuring they develop independence in their learning. Additionally, the curriculum development in key stage three requires attention to ensure a cohesive all-through curriculum. Overall, Dartmouth Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
