Samuel Ward Academy is a welcoming and supportive school located in Haverhill, Suffolk. The recent inspection conducted on November 1 and 2, 2022, rated the school as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
The school fosters a positive environment where pupils get along well with each other and with staff. The commitment of the staff to the well-being and success of their students is evident, particularly for those who may struggle with school life or require additional support. Pupils have access to resources such as ‘the study’ for well-being support and academic assistance. The behavior of pupils has improved due to the implementation of a new behavior system, which has raised expectations and resulted in fewer disruptions during lessons. Pupils feel safe and are confident that any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly by staff.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured and complemented by various assemblies and personal development lessons. This curriculum equips pupils with a solid understanding of important topics such as diversity, citizenship, and healthy relationships. The enrichment program offers diverse experiences, enhancing the overall educational experience for pupils.
Senior leaders have effectively addressed the key issues identified in the previous inspection report, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The curriculum is ambitious and caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils engage in a broad range of academic and technical subjects, and leaders continuously reflect on and adjust the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes.
Curriculum leaders have meticulously planned their subjects, ensuring that knowledge is organized logically to facilitate effective learning progression. This structured approach allows pupils to build a strong foundation of knowledge, leading to good progress. Teachers are well-trained and knowledgeable in their subjects, and they routinely assess pupils' understanding during lessons. However, some teachers need to improve their adaptation of lessons for pupils with special educational needs, which can hinder the achievement of these pupils.
The school has established effective processes for identifying pupils who struggle with reading, providing targeted interventions to help them catch up and access the curriculum. Leaders maintain high expectations for behavior, which are understood and shared by both staff and pupils. The school environment is generally calm, with a focus on learning, and there has been a noticeable reduction in suspensions.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum contributes positively to pupils' development, promoting respect for diversity and teaching sensitive topics in an age-appropriate manner. The careers program is well-planned, providing pupils with valuable information about future opportunities and ensuring they receive high-quality independent careers advice.
Governors and leaders work collaboratively to enhance the school, holding each other accountable for their actions and ensuring that decisions prioritize the best interests of pupils. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns. Overall, Samuel Ward Academy has made significant strides in improving its educational offerings and creating a supportive environment for all pupils. However, there remains a need for ongoing development in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs to ensure they achieve their full potential.
