Iceni Academy, located in Colchester, Essex, has undergone an ungraded inspection on November 21 and 22, 2023. The overall judgement of the school remains good, although evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating if conducted now. The head of school, Karen Jackson, leads the institution, which is part of the Connected Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Ceri Jones and trustee chair Barry Collyer.
Pupils at Iceni Academy express happiness and enjoyment in attending school, with most attending regularly. They appreciate being recognized as unique individuals and learn about diversity within their community and the broader world. The school fosters an environment where students feel their opinions and beliefs are respected, encouraging them to share their thoughts confidently in various settings, including assemblies.
Behavior among pupils is generally good, supported by clear routines and high expectations that have been recently implemented. Most students respond positively to these expectations, and the school provides support for those who struggle with behavior, allowing for a greater focus on learning. Disruptions in lessons have decreased significantly. The school has also made strides in enhancing its curriculum and behavior management, which has positively impacted pupils' understanding of essential knowledge. However, some students still face gaps in their learning, making it challenging for them to grasp new concepts.
The curriculum has been recently reviewed to emphasize important knowledge that pupils should retain. In most subjects, this knowledge is organized logically, and teachers are beginning to see positive outcomes from these changes. However, the implementation of these improvements is still in its early stages. In subjects where the curriculum has not been redesigned, pupils typically demonstrate secure knowledge, using prior learning effectively to tackle new information. Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with planned opportunities for discussions about books and stories, which encourages a love for reading. The school identifies pupils who struggle with reading and provides additional support, although this assistance is not yet consistently applied across the board.
The school has systems in place to identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and is committed to providing the necessary support for these students to succeed. When support is tailored effectively, pupils can access the same curriculum as their peers. However, some support plans lack specificity, making it difficult for staff to implement the necessary strategies for these students.
Iceni Academy prioritizes the wider development of its pupils, offering various opportunities for engagement in sports and community events, which help to cultivate their talents and interests. The trustees are aware of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing a range of expertise to support the school effectively.
The arrangements for safeguarding at the school are deemed effective. To improve further, the school needs to establish consistent strategies for supporting early reading development, address gaps in pupils' knowledge across subjects, and enhance the precision of support plans for students with SEND. Continued training and guidance for staff will be essential in meeting the needs of all pupils effectively.
This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inspector took the impact of the pandemic into account during the assessment. The school has experienced significant leadership changes recently, with new appointments at both the trust and school levels. Overall, while Iceni Academy demonstrates a commitment to improvement and pupil development, there are clear areas that require attention to ensure all students can thrive academically and personally.
