Goffs – Churchgate Academy, located in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, underwent an inspection on 11 and 12 May 2022, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were all rated as good, while personal development received an outstanding rating.
Pupils at Goffs – Churchgate Academy are described as respectful and aspirational, enjoying their learning experiences. The school promotes a high ambition for education, and teachers consistently challenge students to work hard, leading to a strong knowledge base among pupils. The curriculum is award-winning and provides extensive opportunities for personal development, including participation in social campaigns and learning about diversity and equality. Pupils appreciate the support from staff, who go the extra mile to help them pursue their interests, such as the establishment of a creative writing club in response to student interest.
The school maintains a calm and orderly environment, with clear routines for behavior. Pupils feel safe and supported, reporting that staff address bullying promptly and care for their well-being. The sense of community is strong, and pupils receive ample information to help them stay healthy and build positive relationships.
Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that exceeds national requirements and is well-structured across all subjects. They have identified key aspects of each subject and created learning journeys for pupils, which help them understand the curriculum better. Assessment is integrated into every lesson, allowing teachers to identify and address gaps in knowledge effectively. For instance, in science, teachers recognized gaps in understanding radiation and retaught the material to ensure comprehension.
While the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, some staff require further development in teaching more complex content to advanced learners. Leaders provide training for staff to support pupils in reading, creating an engaging atmosphere around literacy. Pupils who struggle with reading benefit from tailored programs that help them make progress.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they can access the full curriculum. However, there are instances where learning assistants lack clear direction, which can affect the quality of support provided. Leaders have implemented a personal development curriculum that excels in helping pupils navigate various aspects of their lives, including resilience and independence. This curriculum is integral to the school's mission of fostering positive future citizens.
Pupils receive high-quality careers advice, aiding them in making informed decisions about their future educational paths. There has been a notable increase in the number of pupils pursuing A levels and BTEC National Diplomas in local sixth forms. The leadership team is united in their vision for the school, with staff feeling well-supported and having manageable workloads. Leaders possess a clear understanding of how to further improve the school and have established robust systems to monitor teaching quality and pupil learning.
The safeguarding arrangements at Goffs – Churchgate Academy are effective, with well-trained staff who can recognize and report concerns. Pupils feel safe and know they can approach staff with any issues. The curriculum also educates pupils on personal safety, including online safety, and provides effective channels for them to voice concerns.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some staff need to enhance their ability to challenge and deepen pupils' understanding of complex curriculum aspects. Additionally, the support provided to pupils with SEND needs closer monitoring to ensure consistent quality. Overall, Goffs – Churchgate Academy demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
