Thornhill Community Academy, part of the SHARE Multi-Academy Trust, was inspected on 22 and 23 February 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as leadership and management receiving an outstanding rating. The school has a clear and ambitious vision for education, encapsulated in the motto Work hard, be nice. This ethos is reflected in the high expectations set by staff for both pupil achievement and behavior. Positive relationships among pupils and staff contribute to a supportive environment where bullying is rare, and mutual respect is emphasized.
Pupils express enjoyment in attending school and appreciate the commitment of staff to their success. The school effectively adapts lessons to cater to the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While behavior is generally excellent, there are occasional instances of poor choices, which staff manage swiftly and effectively. The school serves its community well, with initiatives such as an ethnic minority achievement hub that provides language lessons and support for families, demonstrating a commitment to improving the life chances of all pupils.
The leadership team is praised for its inspirational values and actions, fostering a supportive environment for staff well-being and professional development. The curriculum is well-structured, focusing on essential knowledge and skills while promoting life skills alongside strong subject knowledge. Staff are knowledgeable and passionate, engaging pupils through meaningful questioning and encouraging debate and discussion. Assessment practices are effective, allowing staff to identify and address gaps in understanding promptly.
Pupils with special educational needs receive specialized support and have access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, leading to successful outcomes in further education and employment. The school prioritizes reading, identifying pupils who require additional support and fostering a love of reading across the school. However, older pupils tend to read less widely, indicating an area for improvement.
While behavior in lessons is generally excellent, there are challenges in maintaining positive behavior in other areas of the school. Leaders have implemented strong routines to ensure calm and purposeful behavior in corridors, and attendance rates have improved significantly due to clear expectations set by leaders.
The personal development curriculum is well-planned, addressing important topics such as personal safety and healthy relationships. However, pupils' understanding of other faiths and cultures is less developed, suggesting a need for improvement in this area. Careers advice and guidance are strong, with pupils receiving independent advice about their future education and employment options.
The safeguarding arrangements at Thornhill Community Academy are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding evident throughout the school. Leaders and staff are well-informed about the risks to young people and take proactive measures to ensure their safety. The school adapts its curriculum to address local and national risks, prioritizing pupils' mental health and well-being.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders should focus on improving pupils' knowledge of other faiths and cultures, ensuring consistent teaching quality across the personal development curriculum. Ongoing quality assurance will help identify variability in teaching and support targeted professional development for staff. Overall, Thornhill Community Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all pupils.
