Sir Martin Frobisher Academy, located in Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated strengths in behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at Sir Martin Frobisher Academy express happiness and a sense of safety within the school environment. They appreciate the swift actions taken by new leaders to address poor behavior and recognize the care and support provided by staff. The introduction of a new curriculum has been positively received, with pupils working diligently to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. Additional support in reading and mathematics is helping those who need it to catch up and engage with the broader curriculum.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with respect shown towards peers and adults. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and are encouraged to report any incidents, which are addressed promptly by school leaders. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including construction league, theater trips, and local competitions, which contribute to the pupils' overall development and appreciation of diverse cultures and religions.
In the past 18 months, the school has seen improved strategic intervention from both trust and school leaders, resulting in more stable staffing across all levels. The curriculum has been reviewed and implemented with a focus on building knowledge step by step, particularly in reading and mathematics. Teachers receive effective training, enabling them to plan lessons that build on prior learning, leading to generally good achievement among pupils.
However, challenges remain in other curriculum areas where pupils exhibit significant gaps in knowledge and retention, particularly regarding subject-specific vocabulary. Leaders are actively working to identify necessary curriculum content and adapt it to enhance pupil success. While reading has been prioritized, with teachers trained to deliver a consistent phonics program, there is still work to be done in ensuring that all curriculum areas are equally robust.
The school has made commendable efforts to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are identified early and provided with tailored support. Early years provision is strong, with well-planned curriculum that builds on children's prior knowledge, preparing them effectively for Year 1.
Leaders are aware of the importance of fostering trust and engagement with parents, recognizing that many hold negative views of the school. Continued efforts to improve communication and collaboration with parents are essential for enhancing the overall school experience for pupils.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns promptly. Leaders understand the local community's risks and work with various agencies to support vulnerable pupils. Overall, while the school has made significant strides in several areas, ongoing efforts are needed to address curriculum gaps and strengthen relationships with parents to ensure all pupils can achieve their best.
