Abbey CofE Academy, located in Daventry, Northamptonshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 6 and 7, 2024. The principal, Deborah Godfrey, leads the school, which is part of The David Ross Education Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Stuart Burns and a board of trustees chaired by David Ross. The school has a strong reputation among its pupils, who describe it as a safe, friendly, and supportive environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.
Pupils at Abbey CofE Academy benefit from positive relationships with staff, who are known for their kindness and respect. The staff's commitment to understanding each pupil's individual needs fosters a culture of care and support. Students express appreciation for the time staff dedicate to them, stating that nothing is too much trouble for the adults in the school. This nurturing atmosphere contributes to the polite behavior and positive attitudes towards learning exhibited by the pupils, who generally maintain good concentration during lessons.
The school is driven by a commitment to high aspirations and values such as ambition, courage, respect, compassion, and integrity. These values are integrated into the curriculum, helping pupils understand their importance and apply them in their daily interactions. The pupils take pride in their school and value the diverse opportunities available to them, including participation in activities with other schools within The David Ross Education Trust. They enjoy engaging in sports masterclasses and competitions, which enhance their educational experience.
Academically, Abbey CofE Academy offers a well-structured and ambitious curriculum that caters to all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are adept at identifying gaps in learning and providing tailored support to help these pupils succeed. The focus on vocabulary development is evident across all subjects, with staff actively teaching new words and modeling their usage. However, there is room for improvement in addressing errors in pupils' spoken and written English, as some mistakes are not consistently corrected, leading to repeated errors.
Instruction is delivered clearly and engagingly, with staff anticipating common challenges to support pupil success. Quizzes at the start of lessons help reinforce current topics, but there is a need for a stronger emphasis on revisiting prior learning to ensure pupils retain important knowledge from previous years. This gap can hinder their ability to deepen their understanding of subjects.
Pupils demonstrate a love for reading and enjoy spending time in the school library. They are exposed to a variety of challenging texts, including complex poems, and those needing additional phonics support receive timely assistance to help them catch up. High attendance rates reflect the school's effective communication with parents about the importance of regular attendance for educational success.
Personal development is a strong focus at Abbey CofE Academy, with a high-quality curriculum complemented by a range of enrichment activities. Pupils engage in various extracurricular programs, including gardening and film clubs, as well as sports events and well-being activities. These experiences promote respect for diversity and an understanding of different cultures and faiths. Pupils learn about British values through personal, social, and health education lessons, contributing to their overall development.
Staff at the school feel supported and trusted, appreciating the time allocated for additional responsibilities. The local governors and trust team provide effective oversight, ensuring continuous improvement within the school. Safeguarding measures are robust, creating a safe environment for all pupils.
While Abbey CofE Academy is performing well, there are areas for improvement. The school must enhance its focus on communication and language to ensure all pupils communicate accurately and fluently. Additionally, revisiting prior learning across subjects will help pupils retain key knowledge and achieve a deeper understanding of the curriculum. Overall, Abbey CofE Academy continues to provide a good education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
