The Marvell College, located on Barham Road in Hull, has been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. Under the leadership of headteacher Jake Capper, the school is part of the Hull Collaborative Academy Trust, which involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including the chief executive officer Estelle Macdonald and the board of trustees chaired by Malcolm Matthias. The school is characterized by its inclusive, caring, and friendly environment, where leaders are ambitious for the pupils and have a clear vision for improvement. This positive atmosphere contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe, with access to trusted adults for support when needed.
The curriculum at The Marvell College is of high quality, designed to prepare pupils for future learning and employment. Pupils enjoy their lessons, which cover a broad range of subjects, and they take pride in their work. The school has made significant efforts to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a strong commitment to the local community. Parents and carers express confidence in the school's ability to care for their children effectively.
Staff at The Marvell College maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, which is evident in the respectful and courteous interactions among students and staff. The school employs effective behavior management systems, fostering positive relationships that enhance the learning environment. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring their needs are met.
The school excels in delivering a highly ambitious curriculum that emphasizes knowledge retention over time. Teachers collaborate to organize lessons effectively, following a structured learning cycle that provides consistency for pupils. This logical sequencing of learning helps students build their knowledge and skills, preparing them for future educational or vocational opportunities. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and create positive classroom environments, utilizing regular assessments to gauge pupil understanding. However, there are instances where lessons are not adapted sufficiently to address individual learning gaps, which can hinder some pupils' progress.
Leaders prioritize fostering a love of reading, employing nationally recognized assessments to track progress in this area. Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with initiatives like 'pupil passports' and nurture groups in place to assist those with specific needs. While these pupils currently achieve at lower levels than their peers, the school is focused on helping them make progress through dedicated support.
Attendance has been a focus for improvement, with the school implementing a thorough tracking system and collaborating with families to enhance attendance rates. Although attendance remains below desired levels, staff are committed to ensuring that all possible measures are taken to encourage regular school attendance.
The Marvell College offers a variety of clubs, trips, and visits that contribute to pupils' personal development. An active school council collaborates with leaders to expand enrichment opportunities. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum aids pupils in understanding their surroundings and developing their character. However, some pupils lack the confidence and resilience to engage fully in these opportunities, which limits their overall development.
Staff express pride in working at The Marvell College, where leaders prioritize their well-being and workload. The governance structure provides effective support and challenge, fostering a collective commitment to continuous improvement. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, The Marvell College demonstrates a strong commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, with clear areas for ongoing development.
