Gillingham St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy, located in Gillingham, Suffolk, has been inspected and rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Heather Brand, leads the school, which is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Oliver Burwood and a board of trustees chaired by William Crawshay. The school serves a mixed-gender population of 60 pupils aged 4 to 11.
Pupils at Gillingham St Michael’s enjoy their school experience, participating in engaging activities such as pizza making and singing in assemblies. The school fosters a friendly and supportive environment where pupils include one another in play during breaks. The presence of ‘playground buddies’ enhances this supportive atmosphere, and pupils feel comfortable sharing their concerns with teachers, knowing they will receive help. This nurturing environment contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe.
The school has high expectations for pupil achievement, and staff provide necessary support to help pupils meet these expectations. For instance, additional reading support is offered in the afternoons for those who need it. However, there are instances where planned learning activities do not fully engage pupils, which can hinder their knowledge retention. The curriculum effectively promotes tolerance and respect through personal, social, and health education, and pupils demonstrate acceptance of each other's differences.
Gillingham St Michael’s offers a broad range of enrichment opportunities, including participation in sports and science competitions, where pupils have earned awards for their sportsmanship. Leadership and teamwork skills are developed through roles in the student council and as house captains. The curriculum is well-structured for mixed-age group teaching, with careful planning that builds on pupils’ knowledge over time. For example, early years pupils learn about their local area, which older pupils expand upon through case studies.
Teachers are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations, particularly in subjects like mathematics, where they model problem-solving methods. Nonetheless, some learning activities do not effectively capture pupils' interests, leading to a loss of focus and distraction. This can result in some pupils not securing important knowledge as well as they could. The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, making necessary adaptations to the curriculum to support their learning.
Reading is prioritized from early years, with a strong emphasis on phonics. Staff effectively support pupils in decoding and blending words, ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds being taught. Older pupils regularly read and develop their comprehension skills, fostering a love for reading.
Behaviour at the school is respectful, with pupils learning essential routines such as sharing and taking turns. The school effectively addresses attendance and has created a positive culture around safeguarding. Personal development is promoted through lessons on right and wrong, as well as understanding different beliefs and cultures. The school removes barriers to participation in enrichment activities, ensuring all pupils benefit from opportunities like residential trips that foster independence.
The trust provides effective governance and support for the school, facilitating collaboration among staff across the federation of schools. This professional development is valued by staff and contributes to their well-being. Overall, Gillingham St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy is a well-rounded institution that supports pupil achievement and personal growth while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
