Hilton Spencer Academy is recognized as a good school, providing a joyful and welcoming environment for its pupils. The school promotes a strong sense of respect among students, encapsulated in its motto of respecting oneself, others, and the school community. Pupils express that they feel safe and happy, and they enjoy their time at school. Their behavior is commendable, both in lessons and throughout the school, where they are polite and welcoming to visitors. Many students would recommend the school to their peers, and parents share similar sentiments. Reports of bullying are rare, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, such as house captains and members of the school council, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. Pupils are eager to contribute ideas to enhance their school experience. The leadership team is ambitious for all students, ensuring that the school is inclusive and that every pupil, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receives the necessary support to thrive.
Hilton Spencer Academy has recently developed a well-structured curriculum that builds on prior knowledge, aiming to cultivate subject specialists among its pupils. The mathematics curriculum stands out as a strength, with early years students developing a solid understanding of numbers through carefully planned activities. Daily booster sessions reinforce learning, ensuring that pupils have a strong grasp of mathematical concepts.
Teachers frequently assess pupils' knowledge to identify gaps and inform their planning. However, the assessment procedures are not yet fully consistent across all foundation subjects, with some areas still in the early stages of implementation. Staff are well-acquainted with the needs of pupils with special educational needs, employing effective strategies to support their learning. Teaching assistants play a vital role in supporting pupils across various aspects of school life, and leaders collaborate with parents and external agencies to provide additional help when needed.
The school has a consistent approach to teaching phonics and early reading, starting in the early years with daily sessions that help pupils learn sounds quickly. Pupils read books that align with their phonetic knowledge, fostering positive attitudes towards reading. Teachers are proactive in identifying pupils who may require extra assistance to keep pace with their peers.
In the early years, children are provided with a well-planned and engaging environment that helps them settle and understand routines. Strong relationships between staff and children contribute to a nurturing atmosphere, and outdoor spaces are effectively utilized to enhance learning experiences. Staff are aware of developmental milestones and provide support to those who may be falling behind.
Pupils demonstrate friendliness and politeness, and they engage well in lessons. The school's behavior system is applied consistently, contributing to a positive learning environment. Leaders offer a variety of experiences to promote personal development, teaching pupils about diversity and respect for differences. While there are concerns from some parents regarding the narrowness of the extracurricular offerings, the school provides a range of enrichment opportunities.
Leaders are focused on the right areas for improvement and have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They engage effectively with staff, providing regular training while considering their well-being. Staff express pride in being part of Hilton Spencer Academy.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders taking their responsibilities seriously and maintaining a strong culture of safety. Staff receive regular training, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety. However, the school needs to enhance the consistency of assessment across foundation subjects and monitor the impact of the curriculum on pupil learning to ensure all groups achieve their potential.
