Wroughton Junior Academy, located in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, underwent an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which reflects ongoing challenges in the quality of education provided. The acting headteacher, Mark Thompson, leads the school, which is part of the Creative Education Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Marc Jordan and a board of trustees chaired by Abbie Rumbold.
The school is characterized by a caring environment where relationships between staff and pupils are warm and nurturing. Pupils feel safe and have access to trusted adults for support regarding any worries or anxieties. Most students exhibit sensible behavior and maintain positive attitudes, striving to embody the school’s core values of effort, responsibility, and respect. They enjoy participating in assemblies that celebrate individual achievements, fostering a sense of community.
Wroughton Junior Academy offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including cooking, musical theatre, and dodgeball, which help pupils develop skills beyond the standard curriculum. The school promotes an understanding of diversity, encouraging pupils to celebrate differences and learn about historical figures like Rosa Parks to combat discrimination. While many parents express positive views about the school, some have mixed feelings regarding recent changes.
Despite the ambitious curriculum, pupils do not achieve satisfactory outcomes, as evidenced by the results of Year 6 statutory tests. Leadership instability has hindered improvement efforts, but the school is now focused on addressing its challenges. A dedicated staff team and effective trust support are beginning to yield positive results, although further work is needed to enhance the quality of education.
The school has implemented a carefully sequenced curriculum that outlines essential knowledge and skills across subjects. However, some areas lack a systematic approach to assessing pupils' long-term retention of knowledge, leading to gaps in understanding. Reading has been prioritized, with staff trained in phonics and reading programs to support struggling pupils. The school is fostering a culture of reading for pleasure, linking high-quality texts to various subjects.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is generally effective, but individual support plans lack precision and consistency, resulting in some pupils not receiving the necessary assistance to meet their targets. The recent introduction of a new behavior policy has positively impacted pupil behavior, with most students adhering to the established rules and routines.
Attendance has improved due to robust systems implemented by the school, although some disadvantaged pupils still miss significant amounts of school. The school is actively working with families to address attendance issues, particularly for those who are persistently absent. The personal development curriculum effectively teaches pupils about healthy relationships and provides enriching experiences through trips and projects.
The school acknowledges the need to rebuild its reputation within the local community, as relationships with some parents remain fragile due to past changes. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is aware of the areas requiring improvement, including the need for consistent assessment practices, precise support for pupils with SEND, and stronger relationships with parents to foster a supportive school community. Overall, while Wroughton Junior Academy has made strides in certain areas, significant work remains to ensure all pupils receive a high-quality education and achieve their full potential.
