St Botolph’s CE Academy, located in Wakefield, Knottingley, West Yorkshire, has undergone a recent inspection on October 1 and 2, 2024, and has received commendable ratings across various aspects of its educational provision. The school is led by Executive Headteacher Louise Sennett and is part of the Enhance Academy Trust, which is overseen by CEO Mark Randall and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Townley. The inspection revealed that the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management are all rated as good, while early years provision has been rated as outstanding. This marks a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at St Botolph’s CE Academy express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting the positive and caring relationships they have with staff. The school fosters a safe environment where pupils feel comfortable seeking help from any staff member. The school’s motto, “Find Your Fantastic,” is prominently displayed and embraced by the students, who take pride in showcasing their achievements. The atmosphere within the school is calm, and students demonstrate politeness and good manners, contributing to a positive learning environment.
The curriculum at St Botolph’s is enriched with diverse opportunities, including interactive workshops and various extracurricular clubs such as cooking and swimming. The early years program is particularly strong, focusing on developing communication and language skills through well-structured routines and engaging activities. Children in early years are provided with a solid foundation for their future learning, demonstrating high levels of concentration and interest.
The leadership team has made significant strides in addressing the areas identified for improvement in the last inspection. They have revamped the curriculum to ensure clarity in the key knowledge that pupils need to acquire. Many students can articulate their current learning and connect it to prior knowledge. However, some subjects have recently undergone changes in the knowledge that needs to be taught, which has led to challenges for some pupils in linking their learning over time.
The school has established a robust approach to early reading, with well-trained staff delivering a consistent phonics program. Progress is closely monitored, and additional support is provided to pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring they can keep pace with their peers. The leadership of early years is particularly effective, with a strong emphasis on challenging and engaging children from the outset.
St Botolph’s maintains clear rules and routines that contribute to a focused learning environment. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes, and incidents of poor behavior are rare. The school effectively promotes high attendance, quickly addressing any concerns that arise. Additionally, the school provides tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have the best opportunities to succeed.
Pastoral support is also a priority, with initiatives in place to help pupils manage their well-being and mental health. Opportunities for yoga and mindfulness are integrated into the school day, and pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school community. They learn about personal safety, including online safety and road safety, as part of their personal, social, health, and economic education.
Overall, the leadership at all levels demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, working closely with the local governing body to ensure accountability for the quality of education. Staff well-being is considered in decision-making, and the support provided by the trust is appreciated by the staff. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
