Market Harborough Church of England Academy has demonstrated significant improvement since its last inspection, achieving a rating of good across all key areas. The leadership team, under the guidance of a determined headteacher, has implemented clear and effective plans for improvement, resulting in enhanced teaching quality and better pupil outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school has particularly excelled in supporting disadvantaged pupils, with their progress surpassing that of their peers nationally. Teachers maintain high expectations, encouraging pupils to take pride in their work, which is evident in the quality of their books. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with ongoing reviews positively impacting subjects like science and history.
Relationships within the school are strong, fostering a positive learning environment where pupils exhibit good behavior and a collaborative spirit. Safeguarding measures are robust, ensuring pupils feel safe and secure. The early years provision is also rated good, with children making significant progress and being well-prepared for Year 1, although there are areas for improvement in outdoor learning activities. While the teaching of mathematics has improved, there are instances where the most able pupils are not sufficiently challenged.
The school has identified areas for further development, including expanding improvements in the curriculum and enhancing pupils' understanding of diverse faiths and cultures. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that the recent advancements in teaching and learning are embedded across all subjects. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is generally good, with teachers effectively using assessment to tailor learning to pupils' needs. However, there are occasional lapses in challenge for the most able pupils in mathematics.
Pupils' personal development and welfare are well-supported, with a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming and nurturing environment. They express pride in their school and their work, highlighting the engaging lessons and supportive feedback they receive. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that contribute to pupils' physical, social, and emotional well-being. Behavior is consistently good, with pupils demonstrating respect and kindness towards one another.
The school has made strides in improving attendance, particularly among pupils from the Traveller community, ensuring they attend regularly when in the area. The overall outcomes for pupils have shown a positive trend, with consistent improvements in attainment and progress across key stages. The school’s assessment systems have been strengthened, allowing for more precise tracking of pupil progress and targeted support where needed.
In summary, Market Harborough Church of England Academy has made commendable progress since its last inspection, with effective leadership, quality teaching, and a supportive environment contributing to positive outcomes for pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement, with a clear focus on enhancing the curriculum and ensuring all pupils receive the challenge and support they need to thrive.
