The Axholme Academy, located in Crowle, North Lincolnshire, received a Good rating in its recent inspection conducted on March 8 and 9, 2023. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were rated as good. The school has maintained this level of performance since its previous inspection in July 2017.
The school environment is characterized by high expectations for pupil conduct, supported by recent updates to the behavior policy that have fostered a focused learning atmosphere. Most parents and carers feel their concerns are acknowledged, and pupils exhibit politeness and respect. Disruptions during lessons are infrequent, and pupils manage their behavior well during social times. The school employs suspensions as a last resort and provides adequate support for pupils returning from such incidents. Instances of bullying are rare, and most pupils express confidence in the adults' ability to resolve any issues effectively.
Leaders at The Axholme Academy are dedicated to enriching pupils' cultural experiences. Many students have participated in residential educational visits since the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial barriers are addressed through pupil premium funding. All pupils engage in enrichment activities every Friday afternoon, with opportunities to explore diverse interests such as yoga, debating, and chess. Leadership roles, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and sports leadership, are also available to pupils.
The curriculum is designed to meet the full ambition of the national curriculum, with subject leaders ensuring that it builds on prior knowledge from key stage two. Teachers effectively introduce new content in a logical sequence, which aids pupils in their learning. However, while most pupils achieve well in their GCSEs, current examination results do not fully reflect the leaders' aspirations. The school provides strong support for pupils with complex needs, ensuring they remain in education and transition smoothly to further opportunities.
Reading is a priority, with regular sessions integrated into the school day. Pupils are exposed to culturally significant texts, and those struggling with reading receive timely support to help them catch up. The structured lesson format is generally applied consistently, promoting effective learning. However, some pupils experience variability in educational quality, particularly when key knowledge is not revisited frequently enough, hindering their long-term retention.
Attendance remains a challenge, with a notable number of pupils persistently absent, which affects their learning. Leaders are actively working to improve attendance rates by enhancing support systems. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is delivered through complementary studies, but some important concepts are not revisited often enough, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of critical topics such as British values and diverse beliefs.
Governance has seen improvements, with the new chair of the trust board and her team providing more rigorous oversight of school leadership. Safeguarding measures are effective, with well-trained staff and clear reporting procedures in place. The school has adapted its curriculum to address safeguarding issues, ensuring pupils are educated about risks and how to maintain their well-being.
In summary, The Axholme Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education, fostering positive behavior, and supporting personal development. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and the consistency of support for pupils with special educational needs, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable.
