Temple Grove Academy, located in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection in April 2017, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The recent inspection in September 2019 has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The leadership team is ambitious for their pupils and works diligently to provide a broad and engaging curriculum. Pupils express appreciation for the time teachers allocate for sharing ideas and discussing opinions, which fosters an environment where they learn to value diverse perspectives. This approach contributes to their confidence and sense of safety within the school.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior throughout the school day, enjoying playtimes and utilizing the playground buddy bus stop to connect with friends. They feel assured that any issues, such as bullying, are addressed promptly by teachers. The high expectations set by teachers are reflected in the pupils' engagement with interesting work, particularly in science, which many pupils enjoy due to its hands-on experiments. However, some older pupils noted that they occasionally receive assignments that they have previously completed. Special events, like the Roald Dahl day, enhance their learning experience by allowing them to engage creatively with literature.
The school excels in training its teachers to deliver a rich curriculum, and teachers appreciate the support they receive from leaders in managing their workload. New resources and collaborative curriculum planning have made lessons more engaging, and pupils who struggle with their work receive adequate support, especially in mathematics. Leaders ensure that pupils learn the necessary skills in a timely manner, although there is room for improvement in subjects like science and physical education, where assessment practices could be more effectively utilized.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation, with teachers focusing on essential skills that promote successful learning. The phonics program is prioritized, starting as soon as children enter school, and appropriate reading materials are provided to support their learning. Teachers actively engage with parents to encourage reading at home, and additional support is available for pupils who face challenges in learning to read.
The school aims to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain by promoting understanding of different cultures and religions. Pupils take pride in their leadership roles and demonstrate politeness and care towards one another. The school environment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages pupils to be engaged in their learning.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for further development. Leaders need to ensure that teachers are consistently aware of what pupils have learned before advancing to new material across all subjects. Additionally, while adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are in place, further improvements are needed to ensure that all such pupils are adequately prepared for their next steps in learning. The governing body is encouraged to scrutinize and validate the information provided by leaders to support ongoing school improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements at Temple Grove Academy are effective, with well-trained staff who know how to respond to concerns about pupil safety. The school prioritizes the well-being of its pupils and provides opportunities for them to learn about safety, including online safety. Overall, Temple Grove Academy has made significant strides in enhancing its educational offerings and ensuring a supportive environment for its pupils.
