St. Anthony’s Voluntary Catholic Academy, located in Hull, has recently been inspected and continues to be recognized as a good school. The inspection highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering a positive environment where pupils thrive both academically and personally.
Pupils at St. Anthony’s express a high level of happiness and satisfaction with their school experience. The leadership team has cultivated a culture of positivity, encouraging students to embody the school’s ethos, referred to as the ‘St. Anthony’s sparkle.’ This initiative is reinforced through a reward system where pupils earn ‘sparkle’ stickers for hard work and good behavior, motivating them to strive for excellence.
The school community is characterized by a strong sense of care and support. Pupils feel valued and safe, with staff maintaining high expectations for behavior. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff are quick to address them effectively. The introduction of new behavioral approaches has helped students recognize and improve upon inappropriate behaviors, contributing to a well-ordered classroom environment.
St. Anthony’s has developed a ‘sparkle curriculum’ that covers essential academic subjects and includes opportunities for pupils to explore the world beyond Hull. Exciting plans for future trips to cities like Edinburgh and London are in place, aimed at enhancing geographical knowledge and cultural awareness through visits to theaters and museums. Parents and carers have expressed enthusiasm for the wide range of after-school clubs available, particularly highlighting yoga and boxing as popular choices among students.
The school’s curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, beginning from the earliest years. Subjects such as history, geography, and science are taught with a focus on detailed knowledge, enabling pupils to retain information over time. Reading is a top priority at St. Anthony’s, with leaders implementing a new phonics curriculum and providing regular reading lessons and story-time sessions. Mathematics is another area where pupils excel, thanks to well-planned lessons that reinforce prior knowledge and encourage problem-solving skills. The school’s commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is evident, although there is room for improvement in the clarity of support plans to ensure all pupils can keep pace with their learning.
St. Anthony’s places a strong emphasis on personal development, providing pupils with opportunities to engage in community initiatives and understand important concepts such as equality and diversity. The school’s leadership team, supported by the St. Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Academy Trust, is dedicated to continuous improvement. They actively seek to enhance teachers’ subject knowledge and manage workloads, fostering a collaborative environment among staff.
The safeguarding arrangements at St. Anthony’s are robust, with a strong culture of care for pupil well-being. Leaders are knowledgeable about local risks and work closely with external agencies to support families in need. Regular training ensures that all staff are equipped to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil safety.
In conclusion, St. Anthony’s Voluntary Catholic Academy stands out as a good school that prioritizes the happiness and development of its pupils. With a strong curriculum, dedicated staff, and a supportive community, the school is well-positioned to continue fostering a positive learning environment. Addressing the areas for improvement will further enhance the educational experience for all students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
