The Nicholas Hamond Academy, located in Swaffham, Norfolk, underwent an inspection on December 2 and 3, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as Requires Improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as Good.
Pupils at the academy report feeling safe and happy, contributing to good attendance and punctuality. The school environment is calm, with teachers maintaining high expectations for student behavior. Pupils trust that any issues, including bullying, will be addressed fairly and consistently. They appreciate the rewards and responsibilities associated with being positive role models.
The curriculum is ambitious, with a wide range of subjects offered to all pupils throughout their time at the school. Pupils are encouraged to recall prior learning, which aids in retaining important information. The school emphasizes the importance of hard work, and students feel confident in the school's commitment to helping them achieve their best.
The academy promotes understanding of diversity through its Leaders of Our Lives (LOOL) lessons and other subjects, fostering a strong and tolerant community. Subject leaders have designed a curriculum that ensures pupils retain knowledge over time and understand connections between subjects. However, in a few subjects, the planning is less detailed, leading to occasional uncertainty among teachers regarding key knowledge to prioritize.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with teachers receiving detailed information to help them plan lessons that allow these pupils to access the same curriculum as their peers. Recent changes to the school's approach to reading aim to integrate literacy more thoroughly across the curriculum, although this is not yet consistently applied by all teachers.
Personal development is well-planned, with pupils participating in various clubs and trips, and taking on leadership roles within the school. They engage in sensible debates on controversial issues and learn about their physical and mental well-being. The school provides effective careers advice, ensuring that nearly all pupils transition successfully to the next stage of their education or employment.
Behavior in the school is generally good, with strong relationships between teachers and pupils fostering a productive learning atmosphere. Teachers are knowledgeable in their subjects and benefit from ongoing professional development. Staff feel supported by school leaders, who are attentive to their workload and prioritize teaching.
Governors and trustees are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, collaborating with leaders to establish a clear vision. However, communication with parents has been identified as an area needing improvement, as some parents feel they do not receive timely and relevant information about their children.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a culture of vigilance and transparency. Staff are trained to report concerns, and there are clear systems in place for addressing safeguarding issues. Leaders are aware of local risks and maintain good communication with external agencies.
To further improve, the school should ensure that all teachers fully consider the reading difficulties some pupils face, enhancing their ability to participate in lessons. Additionally, there is a need for consistent clarity in curriculum planning across all subjects and improved communication with parents to foster better engagement. Overall, the Nicholas Hamond Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
