Thrybergh Fullerton Church of England Primary Academy, located in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on 12 and 13 March 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is led by headteacher Hannah Lambert and is part of the Diocese of Sheffield Academies Trust, which provides additional oversight and support.
Pupils at Thrybergh Fullerton enjoy a positive and nurturing environment where they learn to respect and care for one another. The school fosters excellent manners and encourages older students to take responsibility for younger peers, contributing to a safe and supportive atmosphere. The curriculum has seen recent improvements that have positively impacted pupil progress, although this progress is not yet fully reflected in the key stage two outcomes. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and unique circumstances have particularly affected the current cohort of pupils.
In the classroom, pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour, showing enthusiasm and engagement in their learning. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children benefiting from a variety of stimulating activities that lay a solid foundation for their educational journey. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, including a samba band and an art club, and actively encourages all pupils to participate, especially those who may face barriers to attendance.
The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, gradually increasing in challenge. Teachers deliver lessons consistently well, particularly in mathematics, where pupils develop fluency in their times tables and problem-solving skills. Reading instruction is also a strength, with highly trained staff providing precise teaching and immediate support to ensure pupils keep pace with the phonics programme. Pupils express enjoyment in reading and engage with challenging texts, fostering a love for literature.
However, the school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in the wider foundation subjects, where the curriculum lacks the same level of clarity and detail as in core subjects like mathematics and reading. This has led to variability in pupil retention of key knowledge. The school is committed to addressing this by ensuring that the curriculum is consistently clear and focused on essential knowledge.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with teachers understanding and addressing individual needs. In the early years, specific support for speech and language development is provided through engaging activities. Attendance is generally good, with leaders implementing strategies to support families facing challenges.
Personal development is a priority, with pupils taking on leadership roles and participating in initiatives such as road safety assemblies. Educational visits enhance the curriculum, providing real-world connections to learning. The leadership team, alongside the trust and local school board, is dedicated to providing the best education possible, and recent changes in oversight have led to increased accountability and support for the school.
Overall, Thrybergh Fullerton Church of England Primary Academy is a school that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils, fostering a positive learning environment while striving for continuous improvement in educational outcomes. The commitment of staff and leaders to the school's mission is evident, creating a nurturing atmosphere where pupils can thrive academically and personally.
