Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Icknield Community College on 12 March 2019, which was the first since the school was judged to be good in March 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team, under the direction of Headteacher Mat Hunter, has implemented significant and successful changes over recent years, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. The school is oversubscribed, and staff express strong support for the leadership provided by Hunter and the senior team. Collaborative efforts with local headteachers have led to the establishment of the Acer multi-academy trust, enhancing the educational experience for pupils.
The curriculum has been developed to offer rich experiences across various subjects while ensuring a solid academic foundation. A well-structured approach to assessment allows leaders to closely monitor pupil achievement. Notably, attendance has improved this academic year, reflecting the efforts of the designated leader focused on this area. However, some subjects, particularly mathematics, showed weaker GCSE outcomes in 2018, prompting the introduction of new strategies to enhance pupil progress. In certain classes, especially in key stage three, teaching does not consistently ensure that pupils acquire the intended subject-specific knowledge and skills, leading to less purposeful engagement compared to other classes.
Pupils appreciate the educational experiences provided, highlighting the additional help from teachers as a key strength of the school. The school offers high-quality extracurricular opportunities, allowing pupils to pursue their interests, such as the upcoming drama production. Parental feedback emphasizes the school's nurturing environment and the staff's approachability, with many parents expressing their satisfaction and willingness to recommend the school.
The school fosters a positive atmosphere where pupils treat staff with respect, and relationships among pupils are generally harmonious. Staff enjoy working at the school and benefit from collaborative opportunities within the multi-academy trust. They feel supported in their professional development while being held accountable for their performance. The school has effectively addressed previous inspection recommendations, particularly in supporting pupils with literacy needs and improving teaching quality in specified subject areas.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with systems in place to ensure pupil safety. The local governing board regularly reviews safeguarding processes, and concerns raised by staff are efficiently managed by the student services team. The school has developed a strong internal support system for pupils and their families, addressing various issues and improving attendance for some students.
The inspection focused on the effectiveness of leaders and governors in maintaining high expectations. Evidence indicates that the multi-academy trust leaders hold the school accountable. The trust's executive group provides valuable support and challenge, facilitating collaboration among headteachers. However, there is a need for a formal mechanism for the local governing board to provide in-depth oversight of the school's work.
The inspection highlighted the importance of ensuring that all teaching meets the high standards observed in the best practices within the school. The school is encouraged to continue its efforts to enhance teaching effectiveness, ensuring that pupils acquire strong subject-specific knowledge and skills, thereby further fostering their commitment to learning.
