The Clarendon Academy, located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 27 and 28, 2023. The school fosters a safe and caring environment where pupils feel welcomed and valued. Its core values of respect, determination, and excellence are evident throughout the school community. Students demonstrate kindness and respect towards one another, including new arrivals, and sixth-form students serve as positive role models for younger peers.
Staff members are well-acquainted with their pupils and maintain high expectations for their academic and personal development. The school atmosphere is calm and focused, with clearly communicated learning routines that encourage appropriate behavior. This structured environment contributes to positive attitudes towards learning, resulting in commendable achievements across various subjects. Pupils are taught to treat everyone equally, and incidents of bullying are infrequent. When such incidents do occur, pupils know how to report them, and school leaders address these issues promptly and effectively.
The school excels in preparing pupils for life beyond their education, providing a comprehensive range of careers information. Both parents and students appreciate the diverse extra-curricular activities available, including clubs such as gardening, netball, and STEM, as well as participation in school productions like Mary Poppins.
Leaders at The Clarendon Academy have prioritized curriculum development, creating a broad and ambitious program for all students. They work collaboratively to assess the curriculum's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Curriculum leaders have carefully structured the knowledge that pupils need to learn, ensuring that it is logically sequenced to facilitate knowledge retention over time. For instance, in geography, pupils engage with complex theories, demonstrating their understanding of how these concepts relate to their overall learning.
Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, enhancing pupils' learning experiences, particularly in the sixth form. However, there are instances where teaching does not consistently check pupils' understanding, leading to gaps in knowledge that hinder their ability to tackle more challenging concepts.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Leaders accurately identify the needs of these pupils and collaborate with families to provide tailored support. The school has also prioritized reading, implementing effective systems to identify struggling readers and offering targeted assistance to build their confidence and fluency.
Behavior expectations are generally upheld by staff, with low-level disruptions managed swiftly. Pupils appreciate this approach, which fosters a conducive learning environment. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support pupils' broader development and address relevant local and national issues. However, participation in extra-curricular activities is not closely monitored, resulting in some pupils missing out on opportunities to develop their talents and interests.
Pupils, including sixth-form students, have numerous opportunities to prepare for their future education or employment, engaging positively with various employers during work experience placements. The school leaders prioritize high-quality education, focusing on the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The governing body provides robust support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring that shared values guide the school's development. Overall, The Clarendon Academy is a school where staff and pupils take pride in their community, and leaders are responsive to feedback regarding workload and other concerns.
