Ormiston Herman Academy, located in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection from March 8 to 9, 2023. The school provides a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and are enthusiastic about the opportunities available to them. The after-school clubs and involvement in initiatives like the school council and gender ambassador roles contribute to a strong sense of community among students and staff. Parents express high levels of satisfaction, with almost all indicating they would recommend the school.
The school fosters a safe and respectful atmosphere, where pupils feel comfortable discussing their concerns with trusted adults. Bullying is understood by students, but it is infrequent, and when it does occur, it is addressed promptly. Pupils demonstrate good behavior, contributing to calm and productive lessons. While most students work diligently and achieve well, some struggle to retain important information from their lessons.
The curriculum at Ormiston Herman Academy is generally well-structured, allowing most pupils to achieve commendable results. Regular assessments help staff identify and address gaps in knowledge before they develop into larger misconceptions. However, in certain foundation subjects, the curriculum does not always build effectively on prior knowledge, which can hinder long-term retention of learned material.
The school places a strong emphasis on early reading, with younger pupils expressing enjoyment in listening to stories and practicing reading. Parents are actively involved in their children's reading practices at home, which supports their confidence. For those who fall behind, daily interventions are provided, ensuring that older pupils read well.
Leaders at the school are committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have full access to the curriculum. The SEND team identifies additional needs early and collaborates closely with parents and external agencies to provide effective support. This approach allows pupils with SEND to engage meaningfully with the curriculum.
The school environment is calm, with consistent behavior expectations that most pupils adhere to. This creates an atmosphere conducive to learning, with minimal distractions. Movement between lessons is orderly, and pupils display kindness and respect during social interactions.
Ormiston Herman Academy offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with a significant portion of pupils participating regularly. Although educational visits were limited due to the pandemic, the school is prioritizing their resumption. Leadership opportunities are available across various year groups, and the school council is actively involved in projects, including contributing to national committees.
The leadership and management of the school are effective, with leaders prioritizing staff workload and well-being. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils feel safe and confident in reporting concerns. Staff are knowledgeable about safeguarding processes, and there is effective collaboration with external agencies.
To improve, the school needs to address the curriculum sequence in some foundation subjects for older pupils to ensure they are adequately prepared for future learning. Additionally, a small number of pupils struggle to retain subject knowledge over time, which affects their ability to meet curriculum aims. Leaders should explore opportunities for pupils to revisit content to enhance long-term retention. Overall, Ormiston Herman Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
