Saint Nathaniel's Academy, located in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on May 14 and 15, 2024. The principal, Rosemarie Patrick, leads the school, which is part of the St. Bart’s multi-academy trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Lisa Sarikaya and a board of trustees chaired by Johnny Anderson. The school serves a diverse community and is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where pupils feel secure and supported. The pastoral care provided is effective, contributing to a safe environment for all students.
Pupils at Saint Nathaniel's Academy demonstrate high levels of enjoyment in their education. The school has set high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment to understanding individual needs has resulted in many pupils achieving their potential. The school emphasizes values such as ambition, resilience, and courage, encouraging pupils to embody these traits in their daily lives. The implementation of six golden rules helps maintain a calm and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among students.
Despite the overall positive environment, the school faces challenges, particularly regarding academic performance. While the quality of education is deemed good, published data at the end of key stage two falls below national expectations. The school experiences a high turnover of pupils, with many joining and leaving at various points throughout the academic year. Additionally, a significant number of students speak English as an additional language, which complicates the delivery of a tailored education that meets diverse starting points.
The phonics program at the school is well-established, with many staff members being proficient in teaching phonics. However, inconsistencies in the support provided to some pupils hinder their progress in becoming confident and fluent readers. The school is aware of these discrepancies and is actively working to ensure that all pupils receive consistent and effective phonics instruction. Reading is prioritized across the curriculum, with initiatives like reading ambassadors allowing pupils to engage with diverse texts that reflect their community.
In mathematics, a newly introduced curriculum is helping pupils make stronger progress. The school emphasizes the importance of revisiting prior learning, which aids in understanding current lessons. Each pupil utilizes an iPad to document their work, promoting independence and access to resources. However, there are inconsistencies in how staff assess pupil work, which can affect the support provided.
Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, allowing them to learn alongside their peers effectively. The school fosters independence among these pupils, which is a notable strength. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating respect and kindness, mirroring the values modeled by staff. The school offers various extracurricular activities and encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, contributing positively to the local community through initiatives like visiting elderly homes and supporting food banks.
While the school has a clear vision for improvement and receives substantial support from the trust, there are areas that require attention. The use of assessment is inconsistent, and there is a need for more rigorous monitoring of teaching practices to ensure that planned actions are effectively implemented. Overall, Saint Nathaniel's Academy is a good school with a strong commitment to its pupils, but it must address specific areas to enhance educational outcomes further.
