Wigston Academy, located in Leicestershire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a Good rating in various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The school is committed to serving its community and fostering high expectations among its pupils, encouraging them to aspire and work diligently. The school's values, encapsulated in the acronym RARER—resilience, ambition, responsibility, engagement, and respect—are well understood and evident throughout the institution.
Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a supportive learning environment where students feel safe and happy. The school promotes a calm atmosphere conducive to learning, with pupils demonstrating good concentration during lessons. Pupils are encouraged to voice their concerns and report any issues, with leaders responding swiftly to incidents of poor behavior or bullying. The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore interests in sports, music, dance, and STEM, and it provides a free breakfast club to support students' well-being.
Leaders have made notable strides in enhancing the curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for adult life, addressing local context and real-life issues such as debt management. Most subjects are well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge effectively. Teaching methods include activities that help students recall previous lessons, fostering retention of knowledge. However, there are inconsistencies in how some subjects assess and reinforce learning, which leaders are working to address.
Teachers exhibit enthusiasm for their subjects, particularly in English, where discussion and debate are encouraged. This engagement is less prevalent in other areas of the curriculum, indicating a need for improvement in fostering interactive learning across all subjects. Pupils with special educational needs are integrated into the same curriculum as their peers and receive appropriate support, contributing to their positive experiences at the school.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with initiatives in place to support pupils who may be falling behind. Leaders prioritize personal development, teaching students about health, safety, and resilience, which is reflected in the school's core values. While many pupils appreciate the rewards system for demonstrating these values, some express a lack of confidence in discussing personal development topics.
Governance at Wigston Academy is effective, with governors understanding the school's vision and providing both support and challenge to leaders. Staff report feeling well-supported and take pride in their work at the school. The positive changes implemented by leaders have significantly impacted both pupils and staff, fostering a sense of pride within the community.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are robust, with knowledgeable leaders overseeing the processes and ensuring that staff are well-trained to protect pupils. Concerns are addressed promptly, and records are meticulously maintained.
To further enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders are focusing on improving the consistency of assessment strategies across subjects, ensuring that misconceptions are identified and addressed promptly. Overall, Wigston Academy stands as a commendable institution, making strides in educational quality and community engagement.
