Templars Academy, located in Witham, Essex, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Victoria Gooding, the school is part of the Inspires Trust, which oversees its operations through a board of trustees chaired by Barry Collyer. The school fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring that pupils feel welcomed and supported from the moment they join. This nurturing environment allows students to quickly build confidence and engage in their learning.
Pupils at Templars Academy enjoy a dynamic educational experience, characterized by exciting lessons and various extracurricular activities, including music, theatre, and art workshops. These initiatives enhance their creativity and writing skills. Students appreciate their teachers' efforts to make learning enjoyable and interactive, which encourages them to take an active role in their education. The curriculum is designed to interconnect different subjects, helping students to see the relevance of their learning and aiding retention.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with students demonstrating respect for one another and for adults. They engage positively during lessons and in social settings, supported by play leaders who help maintain a safe and inclusive playground environment. The school promotes the idea that every student has unique talents, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration of diversity.
The school excels in understanding each child's individual needs, with staff dedicated to building comprehensive profiles for every pupil. This personalized approach ensures that children receive the appropriate support, particularly in the early years. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, effectively building on prior knowledge. Following previous challenges in key stage two results, the school has implemented a new mathematics scheme and a detailed subject-based curriculum, which have significantly improved outcomes.
Templars Academy prepares its students for life in modern Britain through cross-curricular themes that engage their interests. For instance, lessons in English that explore Greek mythology allow students to connect historical concepts of power to their own experiences, such as participation in the school council. Teaching methods are generally lively and engaging, with teachers adept at assessing student understanding and adapting lessons accordingly. This approach benefits all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. Some older pupils and those who join mid-year may struggle with reading fluency due to gaps in phonics knowledge. The school is focused on accelerating intervention strategies to support these students. Additionally, the oversight of the curriculum by some subject leaders needs enhancement to ensure that all areas are effectively monitored for improvement.
Attendance remains a challenge, with some pupils missing school regularly, which impacts their learning and access to broader educational opportunities. The school is committed to strengthening its efforts to improve attendance rates. Overall, Templars Academy is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and the well-being of its students. The school’s commitment to safeguarding is effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
