All Saints Interchurch Academy, located in March, Cambridgeshire, was inspected on November 15 and 16, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, while early years provision was rated as good.
Pupils at All Saints Interchurch Academy express enjoyment in their school experience, describing their teachers as kind and supportive. They feel a sense of belonging, likening their school community to a large family. The school encourages reflection during collective worship, which pupils appreciate. The leadership team has high expectations for student achievement, and pupils study a variety of subjects, enjoying the lessons provided. However, while pupils can recall recent learning, they sometimes struggle to retain a secure understanding of key concepts in the curriculum.
Behavior among pupils is generally positive, with a clear understanding of bullying and confidence in teachers to address any incidents swiftly. Pupils feel safe within the school environment. The school offers numerous extracurricular activities, encouraging pupils to engage with the community and support local charities, such as fundraising for food banks. Through lessons and assemblies, pupils develop an understanding of diversity and relationships, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect.
The leadership team has established a clear vision for the school, implementing a new curriculum in several subjects and revising the behavior policy, which has contributed to improved pupil behavior over time. However, some initiatives are still in the early stages of development. Recent curriculum plans have been introduced, designed to build on pupils' prior knowledge. Teachers assess pupils' understanding at the beginning of lessons and provide support where needed. Training in early reading and mathematics has led to a more consistent approach in these subjects, although some subject leaders are still developing their skills in other areas.
In certain subjects, teachers are still familiarizing themselves with effective teaching strategies, which can hinder long-term retention of important information by pupils. The school has recently reviewed its provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, implementing improved systems and staff training to enhance awareness of effective strategies. This ensures that these pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers.
Reading is a priority at All Saints Interchurch Academy, with leaders emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for reading among pupils. Staff are trained to teach reading effectively, and pupils learn strategies to improve their reading accuracy. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may need additional support, and targeted interventions are in place to assist them.
The early years curriculum is ambitious, with children beginning phonics instruction in Reception, which supports their early reading development. Most children learn to read simple words and sentences accurately, displaying enthusiasm for learning and following instructions well. Staff utilize their expertise to create engaging activities that build on children's prior knowledge, ensuring a strong foundation for their education.
Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in a calm atmosphere in lessons and throughout the school. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and respect for one another. The school is working to further enhance behavior management by supporting staff in consistently applying the new behavior policy.
Pupils' wider development is well-supported, with opportunities to learn about different faiths and take on responsibilities, such as promoting healthy travel to school. Staff express positivity about the changes being implemented by leaders, noting that their workload has been considered in the process.
Governance at the school has undergone significant changes, with an external review identifying areas for improvement. While governors are beginning to fulfill their responsibilities, there is a need for secure systems to effectively support and challenge school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at All Saints Interchurch Academy are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are trained to recognize and report concerns, and leaders address issues promptly, collaborating with external agencies when necessary. Pupils are educated on online safety and community safety, ensuring they know how to seek help if needed.
To improve, leaders must ensure that the newly introduced curriculum is consistently implemented and that subject leaders receive the necessary training to monitor and evaluate their areas effectively. The governing body should also address identified training needs to enhance their ability to support and challenge school leaders in raising standards.
