Stockland Church of England Primary Academy, located in Stockland, Honiton, Devon, underwent an inspection on May 14 and 15, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving a good rating. Notably, the behaviour and attitudes of the pupils were deemed outstanding. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Under the leadership of headteacher Rebecca Bendall, the school is part of The Academies for Character and Excellence multi-academy trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Cheryl Weyman and a board of trustees chaired by Roger Willoughby. The school community shares high expectations, fostering an environment where pupils develop character, resilience, and independence. The school’s values of love, kindness, respect, and collaboration contribute to a positive atmosphere, resulting in confident pupils who enjoy attending school and demonstrate excellent attendance.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, which pupils actively participate in. Older pupils take on leadership roles, such as running art clubs for younger students, promoting a sense of community and collaboration. Playtimes are characterized by joyful interactions among pupils of all ages, reflecting the strong relationships fostered between staff and students.
The school has made notable progress since the last inspection, successfully navigating a period of change and implementing a new, ambitious curriculum with the support of trust leaders. In subjects like mathematics and English, the curriculum is well-established, allowing for precise teaching that builds pupils' knowledge effectively. For instance, younger pupils engage in hands-on activities to develop foundational skills, while older students confidently tackle more complex concepts.
However, some subjects within the new curriculum are not as clearly sequenced, leading to challenges in connecting new learning with prior knowledge. The school recognizes the need for further embedding the curriculum to ensure that pupils retain and build upon what they have learned. Reading is prioritized, with systematic phonics instruction beginning in the Reception Year. Pupils receive regular practice and support, enabling them to become fluent readers.
In the early years, children demonstrate strong cooperation and communication skills, engaging in play-based learning that consolidates their understanding. Staff effectively model language and vocabulary, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can participate and learn alongside their peers.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-designed, covering essential topics such as online safety and healthy relationships. Pupils develop an appreciation for diversity and learn about different faiths, contributing to their spiritual development through connections with the local church.
The school benefits from supportive governance, with opportunities for staff to collaborate and share expertise across the trust. Most parents express satisfaction with the education their children receive, highlighting the positive impact of the school on their children's development.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on embedding the curriculum securely to enhance pupils' learning experiences. Overall, Stockland Church of England Primary Academy is a thriving educational community that prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils while striving for excellence in all areas.
