The Thomas Alleyne Academy, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has been recognized for its effective action in maintaining the standards established during its previous inspection. The headteacher, Mark Lewis, leads the school, which is part of the Hart Schools Trust. This trust structure involves a chief executive officer who also serves as the headteacher, along with a board of trustees chaired by Hilary Clifford.
Students at the academy express positive sentiments about their educational experience, highlighting their enjoyment of learning and the diverse subjects available to them. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and forge new friendships. The school emphasizes thoughtful careers advice, supported by strong connections with local colleges, employers, and charities, which helps students build confidence and consider ambitious future paths. As a result, many students transition to suitable post-school destinations.
The school has established consistent behavior routines that promote a positive learning environment. Most lessons proceed smoothly, with students focused on their studies. Respect among students and staff is evident, and incidents of bullying are infrequent and effectively managed by the staff. The pastoral team is readily available to support students in need of guidance.
Through its character education program, the academy teaches essential life skills such as compassion and perseverance. Students are encouraged to work diligently and take pride in their roles, including peer mentoring. The school environment fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to be themselves.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, offering a variety of relevant subjects and qualifications that prepare students for further education or employment. The school regularly evaluates its practices, refining key areas of the curriculum to enhance knowledge retention. Improvements in national test outcomes are evident, with an increasing number of students achieving the English Baccalaureate.
Instruction is delivered effectively, with clear explanations from teachers and ample opportunities for students to practice and build on their knowledge. Most assessments support staff in identifying areas where students may require additional assistance. However, there are a few areas where assessment practices could be further improved to better align with the curriculum and enhance understanding.
The school is attentive to the needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities, making appropriate adjustments to ensure they can access the curriculum. Targeted reading support is provided to help students catch up with their peers, resulting in increased confidence and fluency in reading.
Behavior management is effective, with staff employing clear and consistent strategies that motivate students to work hard and treat others kindly. The school utilizes behavior data to identify patterns and evaluate its support systems. Collaboration with families is prioritized to ensure regular attendance.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-planned and reinforces the school's values. Sixth-form students engage with important topics such as budgeting and finance, while all students learn about relationship management and the significance of hard work. The school's approach to personal development serves as a foundation for students' future endeavors.
Governance is strong, with trustees providing support and challenge to school leaders. The school prioritizes staff well-being and workload management while driving improvements. Overall, the Thomas Alleyne Academy has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering a positive educational environment for its students.
