Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy, located in Fakenham, Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 5, 2024. The school is led by executive headteacher Suzannah Hayes and is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust. This trust oversees the school's operations, with CEO Oliver Burwood and a board of trustees chaired by William Crawshay.
Pupils at Colkirk are notably happy and engaged in their school community. They greet each other warmly at the start of the day and take pride in their school while also appreciating their connection to a larger federation of schools. The excitement surrounding federation days, where students from different schools come together, highlights the strong sense of community. Additionally, the school organizes trips that foster a sense of belonging, such as visits to the beach. The curriculum is enriched with various extracurricular activities and clubs, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
Over recent years, the school has raised its academic expectations, particularly in English and mathematics. This focus has led to improved progress in reading, with many pupils meeting national expectations. The learning environment is calm and focused, allowing students to thrive academically. During playtimes, pupils enjoy a variety of activities and maintain positive relationships with staff, who are approachable and supportive. The school prioritizes pupil safety, ensuring that students feel secure and cared for.
The curriculum at Colkirk is carefully structured, providing clarity on what pupils should learn and in what sequence. Leaders consider the unique needs of each cohort, adapting the curriculum to address prior learning. Staff have received comprehensive training, resulting in confident teaching that fosters strong writing and mathematical skills among pupils. The wider curriculum is also well-developed, and the school is working to enhance assessment practices across all subjects.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is precise and effective, allowing these students to make significant progress. The school recognizes that some pupils have gaps in their previous learning, particularly in areas like handwriting. To address this, daily writing practice is incorporated into phonics lessons for younger students. A strong emphasis on vocabulary development enables pupils to use a rich array of words in their writing, leading to engaging storytelling. However, there are still challenges with punctuation among older pupils, which affects the quality of their writing.
Reading instruction is tailored to individual phonics abilities, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to improve their reading skills. Enthusiasm for reading is evident, with students enjoying a mix of classic and contemporary literature. Nonetheless, there are instances where some pupils do not progress as effectively as they could, particularly during less structured learning times. The school is aware of this and is working to enhance staff confidence in extending learning opportunities.
Attendance is a priority, with leaders actively engaging with families to improve rates among pupils with poor attendance. Most students attend regularly, contributing to a positive learning environment. Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of diverse cultures and lifestyles, aided by the literature shared in class. They express a welcoming attitude towards all individuals and participate in decision-making processes through their house meetings.
Staff at Colkirk feel supported and valued, benefiting from collaboration with other schools in the federation. The school fosters a positive working environment, which contributes to staff satisfaction. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Overall, Colkirk Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to ongoing improvement in teaching and learning practices.
