The Free School Norwich, located at Kings House, 15-17 Surrey Street, Norwich, NR1 3NX, underwent an ungraded inspection on 29 and 30 March 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains good, although evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating if conducted now. The next inspection will be a graded one. Pupils express high satisfaction with their school experience, feeling safe and well cared for, attributing this to the attentiveness of the staff. From early years, students learn the value of hard work and good behavior, eagerly participating in citizenship awards and house points.
Pupils demonstrate good conduct, being attentive and eager learners. They feel confident in seeking help when needed and engage with an improving curriculum that captures their interest. However, some subjects do not effectively build on prior knowledge, leading to a lack of depth in understanding compared to reading and mathematics. The school community is diverse, with a rich mix of faiths and cultures, and pupils enjoy learning about each other's backgrounds. They particularly appreciate the weekly personal learning sessions, which introduce them to new skills like speed typing, karate, and pottery.
Bullying is minimal, and pupils report that staff take any incidents seriously. The leadership team, including trustees and staff, has made significant improvements over the past 18 months, creating a safe and positive environment for both pupils and staff. Strategies to enhance the curriculum are ongoing, with more time allocated to subjects like geography and history, resulting in a broader and better-balanced curriculum. However, the quality of education remains uneven, with some gaps in learning not being addressed.
In subjects where the curriculum is well-established, teachers effectively link new learning to previous studies, quickly identifying and correcting misconceptions. This is particularly evident in early years, mathematics, and reading, where pupils develop fluency and a love for reading. The school has a well-stocked library, and pupils enjoy the reading rewards system. Leaders are proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive effective assistance.
In early years, adults model and teach good behavior, fostering positive social and learning habits. The school promotes good citizenship through initiatives like snack and chat sessions and reflective diaries, encouraging pupils to consider their emotions and achievements. The CU-THRIVE program reinforces the importance of making positive choices, contributing to a happy and inclusive atmosphere.
The board of trustees plays a crucial role in driving improvements, providing guidance and support while balancing the need for sustained progress with staff well-being. Staff feedback indicates that this balance is being successfully achieved. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance and prompt action on any concerns raised by staff. The school maintains thorough records of pre-appointment checks for staff, ensuring a safe environment for pupils.
While the school has made commendable strides, there are areas for improvement. Leaders must ensure that teachers receive adequate support and guidance to effectively deliver the curriculum across all subjects, enabling pupils to build on their prior knowledge and address learning gaps. This will help ensure that all pupils make the progress they are capable of achieving. The school continues to strive for excellence in education, aiming to provide a high-quality learning experience for all its pupils.
