The Godolphin Junior Academy, located in Slough, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following its inspection in June 2019. The leadership and management of the school are deemed good, with senior leaders setting high expectations for both pupils and staff. They have implemented effective strategies that have led to significant improvements since the principal's appointment in September 2018. The Park Federation Academy Trust has provided a balanced approach of support and challenge, which has been beneficial for the school’s development. Governors are actively involved in monitoring the impact of leadership initiatives and the use of additional funding, ensuring that it positively affects pupil outcomes.
The curriculum at the Godolphin Junior Academy is designed to engage pupils and foster their interest in learning, allowing them to make good progress. However, there is some inconsistency in the effectiveness of subject leadership across different areas. While subjects like mathematics and English are well-developed and monitored, others, such as humanities, require further refinement in the progression of skills and knowledge. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and providing clear explanations. The focus on language development is evident, as pupils are encouraged to use increasingly sophisticated vocabulary in their discussions and writing.
Pupils at the academy are making good progress across the curriculum, particularly in writing and mathematics. The support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is strong, with effective interventions in place that ensure these pupils also make significant progress. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils exhibit high levels of concentration and enthusiasm. They take pride in their work and feel safe and supported within the school community.
The personal development, behavior, and welfare of pupils are also rated as good. The school has established a culture of safeguarding that prioritizes pupil welfare, ensuring they are safe from harm. Pupils display positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate good behavior during lessons and at break times. The school has implemented various strategies to support pupils' personal development, including lessons on social skills and mental health support.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance the curriculum by refining the progression of skills across all subjects and developing the role of subject leaders in monitoring teaching quality. The inspection highlighted that while the school has made commendable progress, there are areas that require ongoing attention to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. Overall, the Godolphin Junior Academy is a thriving educational institution that provides a supportive and engaging environment for its pupils, preparing them well for their future educational journeys.
