Signhills Academy, located in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on November 23 and 24, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The headteacher, Steve Carr, leads the school, which is part of Signhills Academy Limited, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Glen Stewart.
Pupils at Signhills Academy report enjoying their time at school, feeling safe and well cared for. They trust the adults in the school to address any concerns they may have. The school promotes an inclusive environment, and staff set high expectations for pupil conduct, which most students consistently meet. Behaviour is explicitly taught, and when issues arise, adults help pupils understand and correct their actions. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are effectively resolved by staff.
The school offers a broad curriculum, with particular strengths in English and mathematics, preparing pupils well for their transition to secondary education. Pupils benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities and well-planned residential trips that enhance their personal development. The school has made recent revisions to its curriculum in foundation subjects, ensuring that it is ambitious and well-structured. Teachers are well-trained in delivering the curriculum, and most pupils enter the school with strong reading skills, receiving effective support if they need to catch up.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In a few foundation subjects, the intended knowledge for pupils is not clearly defined, which can hinder effective teaching and assessment. This lack of clarity means that teachers may not adapt their lessons as effectively as possible to address gaps in pupils' understanding. Additionally, while the school prioritizes personal development and well-being, there are aspects of pupils' knowledge regarding other faiths and beliefs that require further development.
Leaders at Signhills Academy are committed to improving the quality of education and have established effective systems for monitoring and evaluating their initiatives. However, some checks on the impact of these changes are not as timely or detailed as they could be, which may slow down the implementation of further improvements. The school is encouraged to ensure that the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn are consistently identified and that monitoring supports timely reviews of educational initiatives.
The safeguarding arrangements at Signhills Academy are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The school has a positive culture around safeguarding, with staff trained to recognize and address issues promptly.
Overall, Signhills Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils. With continued focus on refining the curriculum and enhancing monitoring processes, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for improvement. The positive feedback from pupils and staff reflects a school community that values collaboration and strives for excellence in education.
