St Germans Academy, located in King's Lynn, Norfolk, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 23, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils are friendly and respectful towards one another. New students and visitors are quickly integrated into the school community, and instances of bullying are rare. When such incidents occur, staff are proactive in addressing them effectively.
The early years at St Germans Academy provide a strong foundation for children's education. Young learners receive excellent support and care, engaging in high-quality activities that promote early reading, writing, and numeracy skills. As students progress through the school, they continue to enjoy their learning experiences, particularly benefiting from outdoor learning opportunities in well-equipped nature areas. Pupils enthusiastically participate in activities that connect their learning to real-world contexts, such as exploring materials relevant to historical topics.
The school emphasizes the importance of mixed-age groups, known as school families, where pupils share stories and discuss important community activities. This structure not only enhances social skills but also fosters a sense of belonging among students. The variety of clubs, trips, and residential experiences available to pupils further enriches their educational journey.
Leadership at St Germans Academy prioritizes the development of reading across the curriculum. Staff are dedicated to teaching phonics and comprehension skills, ensuring that pupils make significant progress. The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to address any gaps in learning that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most pupils learn to read quickly, there are occasional instances where phonics instruction could be more tailored to meet the specific needs of a few students.
The early years environment is effectively utilized to support children's development through engaging activities based on stories. The curriculum is well-structured, with lessons that captivate pupils' interest and build on prior knowledge. However, there are opportunities for improvement in lesson pacing, as some pupils may not have enough time to engage with more complex tasks.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with clear plans in place to address their needs. Teachers and support staff provide focused instruction, enabling these pupils to thrive. Overall, behavior in the school is calm and orderly, with pupils demonstrating respect for one another's differences.
Personal development is a notable strength of the school, with pupils learning about various cultures and current affairs. The curriculum includes practical safety lessons, particularly regarding water safety, which is crucial given the school's location. The leadership team is well-regarded, and staff feel supported in their roles. Collaborative practices with other schools in the multi-academy trust enhance professional development and share best practices.
The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that phonics instruction is more effectively tailored to individual needs and that lessons provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to engage in complex activities. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well-trained and vigilant in ensuring pupil safety.
St Germans Academy is a small primary school that has successfully transitioned to an academy, maintaining a strong educational ethos. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is well-positioned to address the areas identified for development in future inspections.
