St Peter’s Church of England Academy is a welcoming and supportive environment for students. The school aims to provide a rich curriculum that empowers children to unlock their potential. However, the curriculum lacks ambition in several subjects, which hinders students from developing the depth of knowledge necessary for their academic growth. While pupils understand the expectations set by adults and exhibit good behavior, the overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement.
Pupils are well-mannered and respectful, actively participating in their learning. They feel confident that any issues, including bullying, will be addressed promptly by staff. The pastoral care provided by the school is commendable, with staff showing genuine concern for the well-being of students. This creates a safe and nurturing atmosphere where pupils feel valued. Parents express high satisfaction with the school, noting that their children are well cared for and nurtured.
The school offers various enrichment activities, such as enrichment Friday, where students can engage in cooking, singing, and games, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. Leaders are dedicated to improving the school, and staff feel supported in their roles. Attendance and behavior have seen improvements due to swift actions taken by the leadership team. However, the curriculum's lack of ambition across all subjects remains a significant concern. Leaders have not consistently identified the specific knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn, which prevents them from building on prior knowledge effectively.
The teaching of phonics is inconsistent, with some teachers not providing the correct pronunciation, which has not been adequately addressed by the leadership. While pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and have access to a wide range of books, the overall quality of phonics instruction varies. In mathematics, the curriculum has improved, with younger children learning foundational skills, but assessment practices do not always highlight gaps in pupils' understanding.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-targeted, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. Pupils generally exhibit good behavior and are engaged in their learning, with low levels of disruption. Some students receive additional support to manage their emotions, which helps them remain calm and focused.
Personal development is a strong aspect of the school, with pupils learning to share ideas and respect differing viewpoints. They participate in community events and take on responsibilities, such as being part of the school council. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and act on concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about safety, including safe relationships and online safety, at an age-appropriate level.
To improve, the school must clearly define the knowledge and skills expected of pupils across all subjects. This will enable students to build on their existing knowledge and ensure they retain what they learn over time. Additionally, leaders need to ensure that teachers effectively identify gaps in pupils' learning and address them promptly. There is a need for a comprehensive overview of the school's effectiveness to facilitate timely improvements where necessary. Overall, while St Peter’s Church of England Academy has strengths in pastoral care and personal development, significant work is needed to enhance the quality of education provided to its pupils.
