Thomas Estley Community College, located in Broughton Astley, Leicester, underwent an inspection on 29 and 30 October 2024. The school received a positive evaluation across several key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all rated as good. The principal, Mandi Collins, leads the school, which is part of the Success Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Melvyn Booley.
The school promotes a culture of kindness, respect, courage, perseverance, and resilience, known as the ‘Thomas Estley Way.’ This ethos fosters strong relationships between pupils and staff, contributing to a calm and orderly environment where pupils feel safe and supported. The school sets high expectations for academic achievement, and most pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities, succeed in their studies.
Personal development is a priority at Thomas Estley, with a well-structured program that encourages pupils to develop their character and leadership skills. Opportunities for responsibility, such as eco-ambassadors and teaching and learning researchers, are available, alongside community engagement through charity work and projects with local primary schools. The school offers a variety of clubs that cater to pupils' interests in sports and the performing arts, ensuring they are well-informed about future educational and career options.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to build on prior learning. Weak readers receive prompt support to enhance their reading skills. In Years 10 and 11, pupils typically study a full range of English Baccalaureate subjects, preparing them well for their next steps. Teachers are knowledgeable in their subjects, effectively helping pupils understand complex concepts and vocabulary. However, there are instances where learning activities do not sufficiently challenge pupils or help them make connections in their learning, leading to disengagement.
The school provides training for staff to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs. While most staff adapt activities to support these pupils, consistency across the curriculum can be improved. Pupils generally exhibit good behavior and understand the consequences of poor conduct, with a system of rewards in place for positive behavior. Attendance is a focus area, and efforts to improve it have shown positive results.
The school is committed to preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, teaching them about safety, health, and the importance of respecting diversity and British values. Visitors and trips enrich the curriculum, broadening pupils' understanding of different cultures and faiths. Most parents express positive views about the school, and leaders actively communicate with them. The board of trustees and governors are knowledgeable and hold school leaders accountable for their performance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Thomas Estley are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. Planned learning does not always meet the needs of all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs, which can hinder their progress. The school aims to ensure that all teachers make necessary adaptations to the curriculum to support every pupil effectively. Additionally, there is a need for better planning of the curriculum to encourage deeper thinking and connections to prior learning, as disengagement can occur when pupils do not find the activities sufficiently stimulating. Overall, the inspection highlighted the school's strengths while identifying areas for further development to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
