St Michael’s Church of England Academy, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is part of the Enhance Academy Trust, which is overseen by CEO Mark Randall and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Townley. The headteacher, Faz Islam, leads a dedicated team that prioritizes the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school is recognized for its inclusive environment, where staff go above and beyond to support students.
Pupils at St Michael’s demonstrate positive behavior and attitudes, reflecting the school’s Christian values of happiness, growth, independence, trust, and ambition. They show respect and tolerance towards one another and the adults in the school. The school fosters a sense of happiness among its students, who engage enthusiastically in their learning. They have a solid understanding of various faiths and beliefs, enhanced by educational visits to local places of worship. The school also emphasizes online safety and provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including yoga, film club, and sports clubs, which contribute to pupils’ personal development.
The early years provision at St Michael’s is particularly strong, with a shared vision among staff to empower children for success. The curriculum is designed to provide limitless learning opportunities, enabling children to excel. The school’s curriculum is broad and ambitious, with a clear mapping of knowledge that allows pupils to build a deep understanding over time. Teachers effectively check pupils’ knowledge and address any gaps, although some staff require further development in subject knowledge to enhance their teaching effectiveness.
Reading is a key focus at St Michael’s, with early phonics skills being taught from Nursery onwards. The school ensures that pupils who struggle with reading receive additional support, including one-on-one teaching, which helps them catch up quickly. The early years environment is well-structured, covering all areas of the curriculum and promoting communication and language development. Children are well-prepared for the transition to key stage one.
Pupils with special educational needs are identified early, and teachers make necessary adaptations to ensure they can access the curriculum fully. This approach fosters independence and active participation in school life. While pupils generally exhibit enthusiasm for learning, there are instances of low-level disruption, which staff manage effectively. The school employs various strategies to improve attendance, resulting in increased attendance rates among all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Personal development is integrated into the curriculum through lessons on personal, social, and health education, as well as collective worship and religious education. Pupils engage in meaningful discussions about important issues and have opportunities for leadership within the school. The school maintains positive relationships with parents and carers through various initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Michael’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is aware of areas for improvement, particularly regarding the subject knowledge of some staff, which impacts pupil progress. Addressing this issue will be essential for the school to continue its trajectory of improvement and ensure that all pupils receive the highest quality education. Overall, St Michael’s Church of England Academy is a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
