Colonel Frank Seely Academy, located in Calverton, Nottinghamshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on May 17 and 18, 2022, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across various categories, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The school has established a vertical tutor group system that fosters relationships between younger and older pupils, helping newcomers feel welcomed and secure. Pupils express that they feel safe and happy in the school environment, which is further supported by a daily morning line-up that sets a positive tone for the day.
The curriculum at Colonel Frank Seely Academy is designed to remain broad for as long as possible, allowing pupils to explore a variety of subjects in depth. In key stage three, pupils study national curriculum subjects for three years, and many choose to continue with a diverse range of subjects in key stage four. Subject leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to ensure that pupils acquire essential knowledge and skills progressively. For instance, in modern foreign languages, foundational elements such as phonics and grammar are introduced in a logical sequence, enabling pupils to communicate confidently in languages like French and Spanish by the end of key stage three.
Teachers at the academy demonstrate strong subject knowledge and employ effective teaching strategies, including recall activities to reinforce learning. However, there are instances where assessment and feedback do not consistently support knowledge retention across all subjects. Additionally, some teachers occasionally misalign activities with intended learning outcomes, which can lead to a loss of focus among pupils. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve alongside their peers.
Pupils engage in a variety of activities that promote their moral, social, and cultural development. They participate in debates on current affairs and earn character points for demonstrating qualities such as independence and creativity. The school has also strengthened its pastoral support, allowing pupils to build strong relationships with staff and seek help when needed. The dedicated area known as the 'base' provides additional support for pupils who may struggle in larger classes.
The school has made strides in safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to identify and address pupils' needs. Staff are trained to recognize signs of distress, and there is a dedicated safeguarding officer to manage concerns promptly. Pupils are aware of whom to approach for support, fostering a culture of safety and trust.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders must ensure that assessment practices are consistently effective across all subjects and that all teachers are equipped to align activities with learning objectives. Additionally, the careers information, education, and guidance program requires enhancement to ensure all pupils receive high-quality support in this area.
Overall, Colonel Frank Seely Academy is a well-regarded institution that provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The positive feedback from parents and the growing number of families choosing the school reflect its commitment to excellence in education. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that the school remains responsive to the needs of its pupils and the community.
