Kings Rise Academy, located in Kingstanding, Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on June 13 and 14, 2023, and marked a significant improvement from its previous grade of requires improvement. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where pupils express that attending the academy is an honor and a privilege. The values of kindness, respect, and activity are deeply embedded in the school culture, guiding both pupils and staff in their daily interactions.
Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of citizenship and behave in a safe and considerate manner. The leadership team has made commendable efforts to connect the school with families and the wider community, providing pupils with diverse experiences beyond the classroom. Activities such as sleepovers and visits to local attractions enrich the educational experience. The nature garden at the school is particularly valued by pupils, serving as a space for relaxation and learning about the environment.
The school has made significant strides in improving the care and nurture of its pupils, ensuring they feel safe and ready to learn. While leaders have implemented actions to enhance the curriculum, there is a need for more thorough evaluation of its impact on pupil outcomes. Staff are generally aware of what to teach and when, but there are inconsistencies in the delivery of the curriculum across different subjects. This inconsistency can affect the depth of pupils' understanding and their ability to build on their learning over time.
In subjects like English and mathematics, pupils show a strong grasp of concepts and can articulate their learning effectively. However, in areas such as history and music, pupils are still developing their understanding and sometimes struggle to differentiate between what they have done and what they have learned. The early years provision is effective, with children quickly acquiring key literacy and numeracy skills that they apply in their play.
Communication is a focal point in the school, especially given the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the pupils. The teaching of phonics is prioritized, and pupils are supported in their reading development through timely interventions. The school’s approach to safeguarding is robust, with leaders ensuring that staff are well-trained to recognize and respond to concerns. This creates a culture of safety and support for all pupils.
Despite the positive aspects, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance their monitoring of the curriculum's effectiveness to better understand what is working and what is not. Additionally, there is a need for more consistent implementation of the curriculum across subjects, ensuring that all teachers are equipped to address misconceptions as they arise. By focusing on these areas, Kings Rise Academy can continue to build on its successes and provide an even more effective educational experience for its pupils. The overall atmosphere of the school is described as peaceful and joyful, fostering an environment where children can thrive and develop the skills necessary to face future challenges.
