Ormiston Rivers Academy is a secondary comprehensive school located in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, and has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection in June 2023. The academy provides a supportive environment where most pupils express enjoyment in attending and benefit from a variety of opportunities that foster their confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. The school offers numerous clubs, trips, and events, including educational visits to significant cultural sites like the Globe Theatre, which enrich the students' learning experiences.
Pupils generally feel safe within the school environment, and there is a clear process for addressing bullying, which is effectively managed by the staff. While the majority of students demonstrate good behavior and respect towards one another, there are instances where a small number of pupils disrupt learning, particularly when lessons are taught by temporary staff. The school is committed to maintaining high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is broad and inclusive, allowing students to explore various cultures and lifestyles, and offering a wide range of academic and vocational courses in key stage four and the sixth form.
The leadership team has carefully considered the curriculum, ensuring that it meets the needs of the pupils. They regularly revisit learning to identify gaps in knowledge and adapt teaching methods accordingly. Teachers are generally effective in providing high-quality feedback, although there are occasions when this could be improved to ensure all pupils understand how to enhance their work. Reading has been prioritized, with initiatives in place to support weaker readers through additional sessions, helping them improve their fluency and comprehension.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is strong, with teachers adapting their approaches to ensure these students can access the same curriculum as their peers. The school is actively working to improve attendance and motivation among disadvantaged pupils, recognizing that this is an ongoing process. The sixth form offers a well-structured curriculum that prepares students for their future endeavors, including independent study skills and work experience opportunities.
Behavior management has been a focus for leaders, who have successfully reduced incidents of challenging behavior through consistent application of expectations. Most pupils are engaged and positive about their learning, although there are challenges when temporary staff are present. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-designed, covering essential topics such as democracy, relationships, and health, while careers education is comprehensive, providing students with insights into the world of work.
Staff well-being is supported by school leaders, and governors play an active role in monitoring the school's performance. However, there is a need to rebuild trust and confidence among parents following changes in leadership. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with robust checks in place for staff and ongoing training to ensure pupil safety.
To improve further, the school must ensure that all teachers consistently check pupils' knowledge and adapt their teaching accordingly. Additionally, there is a need for all staff to apply behavior management processes uniformly to minimize disruptions in lessons. Leaders are also encouraged to enhance communication with parents to foster greater engagement and confidence in the school community. Overall, Ormiston Rivers Academy continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, with clear pathways for improvement identified by the leadership team.
