Overthorpe Church of England Academy is a primary school located in Thornhill, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The school has recently undergone an inspection on the 21st and 22nd of May 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Joe Mitchell, leads the school, which is part of the Enhance Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Mark Randall and a board of trustees chaired by Canon Peter Townley.
The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment where pupils feel safe and secure. Relationships between pupils and staff are described as warm and nurturing. A unique aspect of the school’s culture is the collective worship activity where pupils place class owls in a nest, symbolizing unity and belonging. This practice reflects the school’s Christian values of trust and friendship. Pupils exhibit good behaviour, demonstrating politeness and respect towards visitors and each other.
Overthorpe Academy offers numerous leadership opportunities for pupils, allowing them to engage actively in school life. Roles such as digital leaders, worship councillors, sports ambassadors, school councillors, and little bookworms enable pupils to take pride in their contributions. The school also emphasizes the development of pupils' talents and interests through a variety of extracurricular activities, which are highly valued by parents, carers, and pupils alike.
The leadership team has undergone significant changes recently, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum has been carefully reviewed and developed to ensure it is well-planned and sequenced, mapping out the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary that pupils will learn. However, some subjects, particularly science, are still in the early stages of implementation.
A strong focus on early reading is evident, with phonics being taught systematically from the start of Reception. This approach helps children become confident readers quickly. The school ensures that reading materials are closely matched to pupils' abilities, and those needing extra support are identified and assisted promptly. A culture of reading is fostered, with pupils actively participating in selecting new books and managing the library.
In lessons, teachers present information clearly, and pupils engage with interest. While assessment practices are effective in subjects like mathematics and early reading, there is a need for improvement in the foundation subjects where systems for checking pupils' knowledge and retention are not yet fully developed. This gap means that teachers may not always be aware of whether pupils possess the necessary knowledge for future learning.
The early years curriculum is well-structured, focusing on developing speech, language, and communication skills. The school has established effective systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Pupils' personal development is a key aspect of the curriculum, where they learn about different cultures and the importance of treating others fairly. They are educated on online safety and maintaining physical and mental health. The trustees and governors are knowledgeable about the school and fulfill their responsibilities effectively, ensuring staff feel supported and valued.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment. However, the school needs to enhance its systems for assessing knowledge retention across all subjects to ensure that pupils are adequately prepared for future learning. Overall, Overthorpe Church of England Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
