Rossington All Saints Academy, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, underwent an inspection on November 2 and 3, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management also receiving good ratings. However, personal development was noted as requiring improvement. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good.
The curriculum at Rossington All Saints Academy is ambitious and well-structured, allowing teachers to effectively address students' misconceptions and support their learning. Pupils demonstrate a strong retention of important knowledge, although some subjects, like art, have recently undergone curriculum redesigns. School leaders recognize the need for further development to ensure that all subjects meet the high standards set by the best-performing areas.
Most students report positive experiences at the school, feeling safe and supported. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and incidents are addressed promptly and effectively. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior, resulting in calm and focused lessons. However, there is a concerning prevalence of derogatory and sexualized language among students, particularly homophobic remarks and inappropriate comments directed at girls. While school leaders have identified some instances of this behavior, they have not fully grasped the extent of the issue, which represents a rare oversight in an otherwise strong leadership approach.
Leaders at the school are highly aspirational for their students, with initiatives designed to inspire them to think big and seek new experiences. The careers program is particularly effective, providing students with valuable insights into future career paths and opportunities. The curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing for the revisiting of important knowledge, although the level of detail in curriculum planning varies across subjects. More established subjects like Spanish and science have detailed planning, while newer subjects require clearer breakdowns of the steps needed for student understanding.
Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities is robust, with knowledgeable staff ensuring that these pupils receive appropriate challenges and support. Assessment practices are generally effective, although some subjects require clearer identification of core knowledge to enhance the assessment process.
The school is actively fostering a culture of reading, with targeted support for students who struggle. Leaders have recognized the need for more frequent reading practice and have begun acquiring new books to support this initiative. While behavior in the school is generally positive, the casual use of derogatory language remains a significant concern, with insufficient measures in place to address it effectively. The personal, social, and health education curriculum does not adequately cover the impact of such language, and students do not challenge each other on these issues.
Extra-curricular activities are diverse, providing students with opportunities to develop their talents and interests. The school also offers a strong careers program, connecting students with local employers and raising their aspirations. Governance is effective, with trustees committed to supporting the school and using data to challenge leadership.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders knowledgeable about local families and proactive in offering help when needed. Staff are trained to identify at-risk students, and leaders act swiftly on concerns. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, addressing the normalization of inappropriate language and enhancing the PSHE curriculum are critical areas for improvement.
