Glenbrook Spencer Academy, located in Bilborough, Nottingham, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on November 2 and 3, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to the education and well-being of its pupils, with leaders setting high expectations for all students. The school's motto, Going for Gold, encapsulates its ambition for pupils to excel and embody the values of Pushing Potential, Love of Learning, Awesome Attitude, Collective Community, and Exceeding Expectations. Pupils express pride in their school, feeling safe and supported, with mechanisms in place such as Worry Monsters in classrooms to address their concerns.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, with classrooms described as calm environments conducive to learning. Pupils are aware of the school's rules and understand the importance of being ready, respectful, and safe. They are taught to recognize and address bullying, knowing that staff will intervene when necessary. The curriculum at Glenbrook is well-structured, with a focus on the knowledge and vocabulary that pupils need to acquire. Subjects are planned in logical steps, and high-quality texts are integral to the learning experience. The school's Reading Spine outlines the books that pupils will read, fostering a love for literature and enhancing their understanding of important themes such as inclusion and diversity.
Teachers at Glenbrook possess strong subject knowledge and effectively utilize technology to engage pupils in their learning. The school emphasizes British values and ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully included in all aspects of the curriculum. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of checking pupils' understanding across subjects. Some pupils may not fully grasp the depth of knowledge required, indicating a need for more precise guidance from teachers.
The school prioritizes early reading skills, with staff trained in phonics instruction. Children begin learning letter sounds upon enrollment, and a systematic approach to teaching reading comprehension is in place. Additional support is provided promptly for those who struggle, and older pupils appreciate the benefits of daily reading sessions. The school also focuses on developing pupils' spoken language skills, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts clearly and engage in discussions.
Glenbrook Spencer Academy is dedicated to ensuring high attendance rates among its pupils. Recent changes to absence procedures are showing positive results, although reducing persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils remains a priority. The school offers a variety of experiences to broaden pupils' horizons, including trips and clubs based on their interests. Staff morale is high, with teachers feeling supported and valued by leadership.
Safeguarding measures at Glenbrook are effective, with all staff trained to recognize and report concerns. The school maintains detailed records and ensures that pupils receive necessary support. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe and know how to seek help if needed. Overall, while Glenbrook Spencer Academy is performing well, it must continue to monitor the implementation of its curriculum to ensure that all pupils achieve a thorough understanding of the material taught.
