Ermine Street Church Academy, located in Alconbury Weald, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following its first inspection in May 2019. The school has established a welcoming and inclusive environment, characterized by a calm and purposeful atmosphere. The headteacher, supported by senior and middle leaders, has effectively led the school’s development since its opening in September 2016. The leadership team shares a clear vision focused on promoting pupils' personal development and ensuring high academic achievement.
The school’s curriculum is broad and balanced, enhanced by various trips, clubs, and memorable learning experiences. Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, demonstrating warm relationships that contribute to their enjoyment of learning. The early years provision is also rated as good, with children receiving a positive start and developing good learning behaviors in a stimulating environment.
Despite the overall positive assessment, there are areas for improvement. While pupils are making good progress in reading, writing, and mathematics, their attainment does not yet meet the high aspirations set by the leadership, particularly regarding the proportion achieving higher standards. The school is committed to improving these outcomes, with a focus on providing more opportunities for pupils to make choices in their learning and apply their knowledge independently.
Governors and the trust actively support and challenge school leaders to drive improvements. They regularly visit the school to monitor progress and ensure that the school is on the right path. The strong belief in the school’s values is shared among staff, parents, and pupils, who appreciate the nurturing environment that allows children to feel safe and learn effectively.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good. Teachers establish positive relationships with pupils and have high expectations for their achievements. They effectively plan lessons that engage pupils and build on their prior knowledge. However, there are inconsistencies in the presentation of pupils' work, as not all teachers maintain high expectations in this area.
The school has made significant strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. The additional funding for these groups is utilized effectively, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to make good progress. The school’s approach to monitoring and evaluating the impact of this support is rigorous, leading to positive outcomes for these pupils.
Overall, Ermine Street Church Academy is a good school with a strong foundation for further improvement. The leadership team is focused on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, particularly in subjects beyond English and mathematics. By developing the skills of new subject leaders and ensuring consistent high expectations across the school, the academy aims to raise standards and ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for all its pupils.
