Whittle Academy, located in Coventry, West Midlands, is recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 30 and 31, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Michelle Harris, the school is part of the Inspire Education Trust, which includes oversight from CEO Lois Whitehouse and a board of trustees chaired by David Bermingham. The school is characterized by its inclusive environment and a strong commitment to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are well integrated into school life. Parents express confidence in the school's ethos, with one stating that every child is welcomed regardless of their needs.
The school maintains high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, starting from early years education. Pupils are taught core values that emphasize caring for themselves, others, and the world, which fosters a positive culture and contributes to good behavior. Students take pride in their work and are well-prepared for the next stages of their education. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, focusing on essential knowledge and vocabulary relevant to the pupils' lives and the local community. This approach has resulted in pupils developing a love for learning and a strong sense of pride in their school.
Whittle Academy offers a variety of extracurricular experiences, including residential trips and visits from authors, which enhance the educational experience and broaden pupils' horizons. The school community celebrates achievements, such as the Whittle Warblers, who recently performed at a national event. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils not only learn academic content but also develop as active and caring citizens.
The school excels in its structured curriculum, which prioritizes essential knowledge and skills. Teachers assess new pupils quickly to ensure they can access the curriculum effectively. Early years education is particularly strong, with a focus on language-rich activities that foster a love of reading. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, although some pupils who struggle with reading do not practice new sounds frequently enough, which can hinder their progress.
Improvements in the reading curriculum are evident, with new books being introduced to encourage wider reading among pupils. The school provides tailored support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they learn alongside their peers. The mathematics curriculum is delivered through engaging resources, emphasizing confidence and fluency from an early age.
Foundation subjects also receive careful attention, with pupils demonstrating a solid understanding of geography and history. The school actively monitors attendance and provides support to families facing challenges, resulting in improved attendance rates. Personal, social, and health education is robust, with pupils discussing various cultures and important social issues confidently.
Leadership at Whittle Academy is ambitious and effective, with staff expressing satisfaction with the support they receive regarding workload and well-being. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on ensuring that all pupils who fall behind in reading receive adequate practice to become fluent readers. Overall, Whittle Academy continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all its pupils.
