Gonville Academy, located in Thornton Heath, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 18 and 19, 2023. The school is characterized by a caring and welcoming environment where leaders and teachers are approachable, fostering strong relationships with parents and pupils alike. The supportive atmosphere is evident among the pupils, who actively encourage one another, as seen in their initiative to write inspirational messages on the well-being wall in the playground. The staff at Gonville Academy prioritize building trust with students, ensuring that they feel comfortable discussing any concerns they may have. This nurturing approach contributes to a sense of safety and happiness among the pupils, who quickly adapt to the school’s rules and expectations.
The leadership team at Gonville Academy demonstrates high ambition for both academic success and personal development. The school has achieved strong academic outcomes, and leaders emphasize the importance of respect and equality among pupils. Recently, the school was awarded for its efforts in promoting race equality, highlighting its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Reading is a significant focus at Gonville Academy, with numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with books throughout the school day. Dedicated reading areas in classrooms and the playground encourage a love for reading, while daily phonics instruction supports early learners. The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive tailored support, including additional phonics teaching when necessary. Collaboration with parents is also emphasized, enabling them to assist their children with reading at home.
The curriculum at Gonville Academy is ambitious and broad, extending beyond the national curriculum requirements. Pupils begin learning French in Year 1, and the curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively from early years through to Year 6. Subject leaders work closely with teachers to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum, and regular assessments help track pupils’ understanding of key concepts. However, there are occasional missed opportunities to deepen pupils’ knowledge by connecting new learning with prior knowledge, resulting in some gaps.
Pupils exhibit high levels of attentiveness and enthusiasm during lessons, with minimal disruption to learning. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs that reflect pupils’ interests, such as gaming and mindfulness. The introduction of Bollywood and mehndi clubs was a direct response to pupil requests, demonstrating the school’s responsiveness to student voices. The elected pupil parliament provides a platform for students to express their views and take action on issues such as road safety, showcasing their engagement in the school community.
Safeguarding measures at Gonville Academy are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and address local safeguarding concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety and healthy relationships, and are provided with various channels to report any concerns.
While the school has many strengths, it is recommended that leaders focus on enhancing the connections between new and previous learning to further enrich pupils’ understanding. This will help ensure that pupils continue to build a comprehensive knowledge base as they progress through their education. Overall, Gonville Academy is a good school that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
