The Trinity Church of England Primary Academy in Devizes, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on February 6 and 7, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Hannah Allender, the school operates within The Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is led by CEO Mark Lacey and a board of trustees chaired by Rosemary Tong.
The school’s motto, With faith we live, learn and grow together, reflects its commitment to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment. Pupils demonstrate positive behavior and adhere to the school’s rules, which emphasize readiness, respect, and safety. The nurturing atmosphere allows children to feel secure and valued, contributing to their happiness and willingness to attend school. Relationships between staff and students are characterized by care and trust, ensuring that pupils feel comfortable sharing any concerns.
The school promotes the holistic development of its students through various roles of responsibility, such as house captains and art ambassadors, and offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, including sports, art, and music. This inclusive approach ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are integrated into all aspects of school life.
The curriculum at Trinity Academy is broad and ambitious, designed to support effective learning. Leaders have thoughtfully structured the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils across most subjects. For instance, in mathematics, students build a solid understanding from early years through to Year 6, with younger pupils developing strong number pattern recognition and older pupils confidently applying their knowledge to solve complex problems. However, there are areas within the wider curriculum where the school has not clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire, which can hinder their ability to build upon their learning progressively.
Staff actively monitor pupils' understanding of the curriculum, using assessments to address misconceptions promptly. This approach enables students to tackle challenging concepts with confidence. The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a love of reading, starting from Reception, where children are taught phonics in a structured manner. Regular assessments ensure that pupils receive timely support to catch up if they fall behind, and they are encouraged to explore a diverse range of literature, which enhances their reading enjoyment and fluency.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs, employing clear systems to identify their requirements and collaborating with external agencies to provide necessary assistance. Regular reviews of support plans ensure that these pupils can access the full curriculum.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior throughout the school, demonstrating politeness and courtesy. Consistent routines established in the early years contribute to this positive conduct. The school also provides opportunities for pupils to engage with fundamental British values and understand diverse beliefs, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
The local governing body and trust share the school's aspirational vision and are well-informed about its performance, providing appropriate support and challenge. Staff express satisfaction with the school's commitment to their well-being and workload, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Trinity Academy are effective, ensuring a safe learning environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for the school to further clarify the key knowledge required in some foundation subjects to enhance pupils' understanding. Overall, the Trinity Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective educational experience for its students.
