Magdalen Academy, located in Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen, Norfolk, has recently undergone an inspection on May 8 and 9, 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which caters to pupils aged three to eleven, is part of the Unity Education Trust and is led by headteacher Louise Arrowsmith. The trust is overseen by CEO Glyn Hambling and a board of trustees chaired by Alan Jones. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in June 2022.
Pupils at Magdalen Academy express appreciation for the strong relationships fostered within the small village school environment. The school promotes clear and consistent expectations for behavior, ensuring that pupils feel safe and secure. The atmosphere is described as calm, with pupils demonstrating politeness and adherence to instructions. The playground is lively, with younger and older pupils engaging in play together harmoniously.
Pupils are encouraged to take on various roles and responsibilities, particularly older students who lead house assemblies and discuss potential changes within the school. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among the pupils. The school also offers a range of trips and extracurricular opportunities, allowing pupils to engage with the wider community and develop their confidence and independence. Notably, pupils have participated in sporting events and performed at a national arena in London, broadening their horizons.
The school has faced challenges, particularly with significant staff turnover since the last inspection. However, ongoing training for staff has been prioritized to ensure effective teaching of the intended curriculum across mixed-age classes. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported and have access to the full curriculum. Early years provision has been a focus for leaders, resulting in a strong foundation for children as they transition to Year 1. The curriculum is well-structured, and children benefit from a well-resourced outdoor learning environment.
The school has implemented a strong early reading curriculum, with trained staff effectively teaching phonics and regularly assessing pupils' reading progress. Most pupils are successful in becoming fluent readers. However, there are identified gaps in mathematics, where misconceptions are not consistently addressed, leading to some pupils not achieving their full potential in this subject area.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is a notable strength, with careful assessment of their needs and tailored plans to ensure they can access the curriculum alongside their peers. The school effectively manages behavior, with clear rules that are consistently applied, allowing for uninterrupted learning.
Magdalen Academy promotes the all-round development of its pupils, teaching them about diversity, healthy relationships, and online safety. The school emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, highlighted by its annual Health and Well-being Week. The trust has played a supportive role during a period of change, helping the school achieve significant improvements while recognizing the need for continued efforts to ensure all pupils learn effectively across the curriculum.
Staff at the school feel valued and supported, appreciating the assistance provided by leaders regarding their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, it must focus on enhancing mathematics instruction to address existing gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding.
