Ilsham Church of England Academy, located in Torquay, Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. The headteacher, Jake Grinsill, leads the school, which is part of the Learning Academy Partnership. This partnership involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including the chief executive officer, Tracey Cleverly, and a board of trustees chaired by Joanne Tisdall.
The school’s vision and values play a significant role in shaping the educational experience for its pupils. Students express appreciation for the diverse opportunities and experiences that enhance their learning. The school fosters strong connections with the local community, which aids in the holistic development of pupils beyond academics. This includes workplace visits and meaningful rewards that motivate students. The positive attitudes of pupils towards learning are evident, as they engage enthusiastically with the curriculum across various subjects.
Ilsham Academy maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, with clear modeling of these expectations. Students understand their roles in supporting peers who may find certain aspects of behavior challenging. Many pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as serving as peer mediators and mental health champions, contributing to a supportive school environment. Parents and carers overwhelmingly commend the school for its commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of their children, with many describing it as a place where their children thrive.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that begins in the early years, ensuring that children receive a strong foundation as they enter Reception. Rigorous systems are in place to identify the needs and interests of children promptly. The learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, are designed to be engaging and purposeful, encouraging independent thinking and curiosity among students.
Core subjects like mathematics and reading are well-established, with staff demonstrating a solid understanding of effective teaching approaches. Pupils show good progress in these areas, with a focus on enhancing their reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematics. The school also promotes a love for reading, with regular author encounters and read-aloud sessions that broaden pupils' exposure to different genres and authors.
Professional development for staff is a priority, contributing to curriculum improvement. While subjects like history and geography have established frameworks, other subjects require further development to align with the overall curriculum. The school is aware of these needs and is actively working to enhance its offerings.
Inclusivity is a key focus, with efforts to create a culture that prepares pupils to engage actively in a diverse world. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in fostering awareness of individual differences among pupils. The school is beginning to address this through targeted initiatives that promote understanding and acceptance of diversity.
The curriculum also emphasizes health and safety, equipping pupils with knowledge about staying safe, including online safety. Opportunities for personal development are abundant, with various extracurricular activities and community engagement initiatives that help pupils build aspirations for their futures.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, appointing key leaders to oversee this area and enhancing staff awareness of identifying and addressing barriers to learning. Governance is strong, with trustees actively monitoring the school’s impact on pupil outcomes.
Overall, Ilsham Church of England Academy continues to provide a good educational experience, with effective safeguarding measures in place. The school is committed to ongoing improvement, particularly in fostering a deeper understanding of diversity among its pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles in society.
