Martham Academy and Nursery, located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to work hard and engage collaboratively in their lessons. By the end of Year 6, students achieve well across a broad spectrum of subjects, equipping them for the next stages of their education. The school maintains high expectations for pupil conduct and behavior, which students consistently meet, exhibiting courtesy and politeness. They understand the importance of communicating concerns to adults, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere where bullying is rare.
The school grounds have been thoughtfully developed to enhance the curriculum and support personal development. Pupils are encouraged to assess risks and utilize their creativity during play, making recess a sociable and enjoyable time filled with various activities. Additionally, the school offers a diverse range of clubs and extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, which promote personal development and healthy lifestyles.
Martham Academy and Nursery prioritizes the well-being of its pupils, teaching them to manage their feelings independently, which prepares them for successful learning experiences. The leadership team has established clear curriculum plans that outline the essential knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire, facilitating effective learning and retention. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and regularly assess pupil understanding through skillful questioning, allowing them to adapt lessons to address any misconceptions.
Reading is emphasized as a priority within the school. A new phonics scheme has been implemented to enhance reading instruction, providing a solid foundation for early learners. Pupils who struggle with reading are quickly identified and supported to catch up, ensuring that all students have access to appropriate reading materials that build their confidence and fluency. However, there are noted inconsistencies in promoting a love of reading, particularly in Key Stage 2, which can lead to disengagement among older readers.
In the early years, the curriculum-focused activities are designed to help children develop the skills necessary for future academic success. The learning environment is well-organized to foster enjoyment and engagement, nurturing a love of learning that prepares children for their transition to Key Stage 1. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all students can access the same curriculum as their peers and become increasingly independent learners.
Behavior expectations are high throughout the school, with staff and pupils adhering to the established behavior policy. Leaders provide support to staff to maintain good behavior, minimizing disruptions to learning. The curriculum also prioritizes personal development, offering opportunities for pupils to learn beyond the classroom. However, the experiences provided could be better planned to enrich personal development more effectively.
Staff members share the leadership team's vision and express pride in being part of the Broad Horizons Trust. They appreciate the manageable workload that leaders ensure. Governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, holding leaders accountable for progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at Martham Academy and Nursery are effective, with meticulous checks on new staff and regular training to keep all staff updated on safeguarding issues. Pupils develop trusting relationships with staff and learn how to keep themselves safe, particularly regarding online risks.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on promoting a love of reading more consistently across all key stages and formalizing the planned experiences that contribute to pupils' personal development. This will ensure that the school continues to provide a high-quality education that meets the needs of all its pupils.
