Wymondham High Academy, located in Norfolk, continues to be recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on September 26 and 27, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Chris Smith, the school is part of the Enrich Learning Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The school community is characterized by a strong sense of care and support among pupils, fostering an environment where kindness prevails and bullying is rare. Older students actively mentor younger ones, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
Pupils express pride in their school and appreciate the high expectations set by their teachers. They understand the importance of hard work to meet these expectations, resulting in high-quality work that reflects their growing knowledge. The school prepares students well for public examinations, where they achieve commendable results. Behavior in the classroom is generally excellent, with pupils showing respect and politeness. Learning is rarely disrupted, and when issues arise, teachers respond promptly and fairly.
The sixth form students are seen as role models and contribute positively to the school environment. They engage deeply with their chosen subjects, producing work of exceptional quality. The curriculum at Wymondham High Academy is ambitious and broad, ensuring that all pupils study two languages from Year 7 and continue with at least one language until the end of Year 11. The school has effectively condensed key stage three into two years without compromising the educational experience.
Subject specialists have carefully structured the curriculum, identifying essential knowledge and skills for pupils. Teachers facilitate opportunities for pupils to recall important information, enhancing retention and application of knowledge. While most teachers effectively assess pupils' understanding, there are instances where this could be improved. Some pupils may be assigned tasks beyond their current knowledge, leading to disengagement and lost learning time. The school recognizes the need for all teachers to enhance their assessment practices to better identify gaps in understanding.
Wymondham High Academy is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The SEND team communicates specific barriers to learning, allowing teachers to adapt their instruction effectively. This ensures that all pupils, including those with SEND, progress alongside their peers. Reading is prioritized, with teachers providing high-quality support to those who struggle, fostering confidence and fluency in reading.
The sixth form environment encourages independence, with students benefiting from expert guidance. They are motivated to engage in discussions and challenge their thinking, leading to a profound understanding of complex concepts. The school also offers a well-structured personal, social, and health education curriculum, promoting understanding of diverse cultures and lifestyles. Pupils value the extensive range of extracurricular activities available, which allow them to develop new skills and interests.
Staff at Wymondham High Academy feel valued and respected, appreciating the emphasis placed on their well-being by school leaders. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to enhance assessment practices among teachers to ensure that all pupils are adequately prepared for their learning activities. This focus on continuous improvement will help maintain the high standards of education that Wymondham High Academy is known for.
