St Michael’s Church of England Academy in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The headteacher, Emma Scarisbrick, leads a school that is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust. The inspection took place on 31 October and 1 November 2023, and the overall effectiveness of the school was found to be good across various areas including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The school promotes a vision where every individual is valued, fostering a respectful and supportive environment among pupils and staff. Relationships within the school community are characterized by warmth and positivity, contributing to a strong sense of belonging. Pupils express enjoyment in their school experience, feeling safe and well cared for. High expectations for behaviour are set by adults, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating good behaviour and a collaborative spirit in their learning.
Leaders at St Michael’s are ambitious for all students, encouraging perseverance and hard work from an early age. This commitment is evident in the Reception class, where children engage in a variety of activities with focus and determination. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and carefully structured, aiming to build knowledge progressively over the years. However, the implementation of assessment systems to monitor pupil learning is still developing, leading to some gaps in knowledge for certain students.
Despite the good quality of education, published outcomes do not fully reflect the school's performance due to issues with attendance and persistent absence in recent years. Leaders have recognized this and are implementing effective strategies to improve attendance, which is showing signs of progress. Reading is prioritized, with strong phonics teaching in the early years, although some staff require further training to support pupils needing additional help in reading.
Interactions between adults and children in the early years are of high quality, enhancing vocabulary and language skills. Children enjoy engaging with stories and age-appropriate books in a well-organized environment. The specialist resource base for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs is well-staffed and ensures that the curriculum aligns with that of the main school, allowing for tailored support that promotes learning and achievement.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that extend learning beyond the classroom, including trips and community involvement. Pupils actively participate in charitable activities and take on responsibilities that help develop their confidence and character. Staff express pride in their work environment, appreciating the support and respect cultivated within the school.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Inconsistencies in early reading support mean that not all pupils progress as quickly as they could. The school is encouraged to ensure that all staff possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach early reading. Additionally, better use of assessment information is needed to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge, particularly for those with low attendance.
Overall, St Michael’s Church of England Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a good quality of education, fostering a supportive community, and striving for continuous improvement in its practices and outcomes for all pupils.
