St Edward’s Church of England Academy, located in Romford, Essex, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on 17 and 18 May 2022, marking the school’s first inspection under the Education Act 2005. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management were all rated as good, while personal development received an outstanding rating. The sixth-form provision was also rated good.
Pupils at St Edward’s express a strong sense of belonging within a welcoming community that feels like a family. This environment fosters safety and respect among students, who appreciate the diverse faiths and cultures represented in the school. The school’s values of humanity, optimism, perseverance, and excellence are embraced by the pupils, who further develop these traits through a well-structured personal development curriculum. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil effort, and students respond positively, demonstrating good behavior and engagement in lessons with minimal disruption.
The curriculum at St Edward’s is broad and ambitious, tailored to the local context and inclusive of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there are inconsistencies in how teachers support these pupils, which can affect their progress. Subject leaders have carefully planned the curriculum to ensure that knowledge is built sequentially, allowing pupils to revisit key themes and concepts. For instance, in English, pupils explore a variety of texts, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of literature.
Teachers regularly assess pupils’ understanding, although this is less effective when they teach outside their subject specialism. This can lead to missed opportunities for addressing misconceptions and may impact pupil engagement. Nonetheless, teachers provide constructive feedback that helps pupils improve their work. In the sixth form, students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the classroom through additional resources, which enrich their subject knowledge.
The school excels in personal development, offering a well-planned personal, social, and health education curriculum that revisits important topics in an age-appropriate manner. Leaders are responsive to emerging issues affecting pupil well-being, organizing relevant assemblies and providing a rich array of extracurricular activities. The extensive careers program begins in Year 7, ensuring that students receive excellent guidance for their future pathways.
Safeguarding measures at St Edward’s are effective, with a strong culture of safety established by school leaders. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding issues, including the latest updates on harmful behaviors. Leaders work closely with external agencies to ensure that pupils are supported appropriately, maintaining detailed records of safeguarding concerns.
Despite the school’s strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some teachers lack subject-specific knowledge when teaching outside their areas of expertise, which can hinder the learning experience. Additionally, while the curriculum is ambitious for pupils with special educational needs, not all teachers adapt resources effectively, impacting the progress of some students. Leaders are encouraged to enhance their monitoring of classroom provisions for these pupils to ensure consistent support.
Overall, St Edward’s Church of England Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and personal development for its pupils, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. The school’s leadership is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
