Seymour Road Academy, located in Manchester, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024. Under the leadership of Principal Debbie Frater, the school is part of the Wise Owl Trust, which provides additional governance and support. The school fosters a warm and inclusive community where pupils thrive academically and socially. Students arrive eager to learn and engage with their peers, reflecting a positive school culture. The school emphasizes respect, which is evident in the polite behavior of pupils towards each other, staff, and visitors. The implementation of the ‘Star’ approach by staff effectively encourages student engagement in learning.
The school is committed to high academic standards and expects the best from its pupils. Many students achieve well across various subjects, and those with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring their full inclusion in school life. The ‘Respect Parliament’ initiative allows pupils to take on responsibilities and contribute to school improvements, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their environment.
Seymour Road Academy boasts a well-structured curriculum that has been thoughtfully developed in collaboration with the multi-academy trust. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively from early years through to Year 6, allowing pupils to revisit and reinforce their learning. Staff are well-trained and skilled in delivering the curriculum, which includes a focus on subject-specific vocabulary that pupils use in their oral and written work. While many pupils excel in their studies, there are instances where assessment strategies could be more consistently applied to ensure all pupils fully grasp prior content before moving on to new material.
In the early years, children are supported in developing their writing skills, although some pupils may struggle with grammar and punctuation, which can affect the clarity of their writing. The school recognizes the importance of reading and prioritizes it across all levels. Teachers utilize a daily reading hour to expose pupils to diverse literature, fostering enthusiasm for reading. The phonics program is well-implemented, helping younger pupils become confident readers by the end of Key Stage 1.
The school effectively supports pupils' mental well-being through its bespoke ‘WOW’ program and provides numerous opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, including trips and guest speakers. Pupils learn about fundamental British values, such as democracy and mutual respect, which are integrated into their daily experiences.
Trustees and the governing body are actively involved in the school’s development, providing both support and challenge. Staff express positive sentiments regarding the school’s efforts to manage their workload, particularly through recent changes to the marking policy that emphasize effective verbal feedback.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistent application of assessment strategies to better identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge. Additionally, some pupils need further support to enhance their understanding of grammar and punctuation conventions to improve their writing quality. Overall, Seymour Road Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils, with a clear commitment to ongoing improvement.
