The Mease Spencer Academy, located in Hilton, Derbyshire, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which opened in September 2019, is part of The Spencer Academies Trust and serves pupils aged four to eleven. The principal, Julia Hart, leads a dedicated team that emphasizes high aspirations for all students. The school’s ethos is built around its REFLECT values, which promote resilience, enjoyment, family, lifelong learning, achievement, communication, and trust.
Pupils express a high level of satisfaction with their school experience, highlighting enjoyable lessons and engaging activities. They appreciate the structured behavior expectations encapsulated in the school rules of being ready, respectful, and safe. The nurturing relationships between staff and students foster a supportive environment where kindness is a fundamental principle. The personal development program is particularly noteworthy, offering a wide range of experiences that extend beyond the academic curriculum, preparing pupils for future challenges and encouraging them to contribute positively to their communities.
The curriculum is carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, with well-structured plans that outline the knowledge and skills to be acquired over time. Although the school has not yet fully evaluated the impact of its curriculum on older year groups, the quality of education provided to current students is commendable. Staff members receive high-quality training, ensuring strong subject knowledge and effective teaching practices. They provide ample opportunities for pupils to practice new concepts before moving on to independent work, and they regularly assess understanding to offer necessary support.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Early years staff collaborate with families and pre-school settings to ensure appropriate support is in place from the start. Pupils with SEND are included in the same curriculum as their peers whenever possible, promoting an inclusive learning environment.
Early reading instruction is a strength of the school, with staff trained to deliver a phonics program effectively. Pupils are taught to read at a pace that suits their learning needs, and those who struggle receive targeted support. The school library is a welcoming space that encourages a love of reading, with books readily available for all students.
While the majority of pupils engage positively in their lessons, a small number do not consistently demonstrate the expected attitudes towards learning. The school recognizes the need to ensure that all pupils meet the high expectations set by leaders and teachers. Additionally, some parents have expressed concerns regarding the school’s responsiveness to their feedback as the school continues to grow. The leadership team is aware of these challenges and is committed to improving systems and processes to better support the expanding school community.
Trust leaders provide effective support and challenge to the school, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to fulfill their roles. The positive feedback from staff regarding their workload and well-being reflects a supportive work environment. Overall, The Mease Spencer Academy is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a positive school culture, with a clear commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the needs of its pupils and their families.
