Scawby Academy, located in North Lincolnshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 22 and 23, 2023. The school is led by executive headteacher Mrs. Zoe Birchall and is part of St Hybald’s Trust, which oversees its operations through a board of trustees chaired by Mr. Stuart Bontoft. The school serves pupils aged 4 to 11 and has a total enrollment of 209 students.
The inspection highlighted the positive environment at Scawby Academy, where pupils feel welcomed and safe. Strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a supportive atmosphere, fostering happiness and regular attendance among pupils. The school promotes a sense of community through its ethos of ‘TEAM Scawby,’ encouraging students to celebrate their belonging to the school and local community.
Academic expectations are high, and the curriculum is designed to engage pupils in their learning. Lessons are described as fun, which helps maintain student interest. The school has made significant strides in ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve well. Behaviour in classrooms and throughout the school is exceptional, with minimal disruption to learning. Pupils are attentive and respectful, and they enjoy a variety of activities during playtime, promoting harmonious interactions across different age groups.
Scawby Academy offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and tournaments, with many expressing enthusiasm for developing their skills in various areas. Older pupils have opportunities to take on leadership roles, further enhancing their sense of responsibility and community involvement.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with teachers trained to deliver content effectively. Most subjects have clearly defined key knowledge and concepts, enabling pupils to build on their learning year after year. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be improved, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have equally detailed content breakdowns. This inconsistency can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding in certain areas.
Reading is a notable strength of the school, with phonics instruction starting early and regular assessments to support pupils at risk of falling behind. The school fosters a love of reading, providing a wide range of books and encouraging daily reading habits among students.
Behaviour expectations are high, and routines are established to teach positive behaviour from an early age. The school’s personal development programme effectively covers topics such as healthy relationships and online safety. However, there is a noted need for improvement in pupils' understanding of different faiths and religions, which is essential for preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Trustees are committed to the school’s success and have a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for development. They hold school leaders accountable for the quality of education provided. Staff express positive views about leadership, feeling supported in their roles and valued within the school community. Parents also share favorable opinions about the school’s provision.
The inspection concluded that while Scawby Academy continues to be a good school, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum is consistently detailed across all subjects and that pupils receive the necessary opportunities to deepen their understanding in mathematics. Additionally, enhancing the religious education curriculum will better prepare pupils for a diverse society. Overall, Scawby Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
