The John of Gaunt School, located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 23 and 24, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Ben Rhodes, the school is part of the Equa Multi Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The school fosters a strong sense of community, emphasizing values such as kindness, positivity, and belonging. Respect for adults and peers is a fundamental aspect of school life, contributing to an inclusive environment where bullying is rare and not tolerated. Clear behavior expectations are established, and students appreciate the fairness of the behavior system, resulting in a calm and focused learning atmosphere.
The school is committed to ambitious educational goals, preparing students for adult life by nurturing their talents and interests. Opportunities abound for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including joining the orchestra, choir, and various sports teams. The school also encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and outdoor competitions that challenge students' skills and resilience. Enrichment activities, such as astronomy field trips, enhance the curriculum and provide practical learning experiences. Students take pride in their school and enthusiastically share their experiences with visitors, highlighting the unique aspects of school life, including interactions with school pets.
The curriculum at The John of Gaunt School is designed to be ambitious, aiming to equip students with essential life skills alongside academic qualifications. The English curriculum focuses on developing communication skills, while geography prepares students to be informed global citizens. Recent changes to the modern foreign languages curriculum aim to increase student participation in language studies, thereby enhancing the number of pupils pursuing the English Baccalaureate. Assessment practices are integrated into the curriculum, allowing teachers to identify knowledge gaps and tailor learning activities to ensure mastery. However, some students struggle with retaining information over time, which can hinder their ability to apply knowledge in new contexts.
The school effectively identifies and supports students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same broad curriculum as their peers. The specialist resource base provides targeted support for students with communication and interaction needs. Reading is highly valued, with a diverse selection of literature provided to students, including classic works and texts from various authors. The school has implemented effective interventions for struggling readers, closely monitoring their progress to ensure they keep pace with their peers.
Character education is currently being developed, building on existing opportunities for student involvement in diverse pupil groups. While many students engage in these activities, some are hesitant to participate in enrichment programs or additional study support. The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips students with knowledge about safety and well-being, while sixth-form students receive training to support their mental health and that of their peers.
The school provides extensive support for students' future aspirations, including work experience and higher education programs. Sixth-form students particularly value the personalized guidance they receive. The trust offers a range of professional development opportunities for staff, enhancing curriculum design and teaching practices. The collaborative approach within the trust fosters a supportive environment for continuous improvement.
Overall, The John of Gaunt School demonstrates a commitment to high educational standards and student well-being, with effective safeguarding measures in place. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, although there are areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing student engagement in enrichment activities and ensuring all pupils have opportunities to reinforce their learning.
