Wellington Eagles Primary Academy, located in Ludgershall, Andover, was inspected on March 5 and 6, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management. However, personal development and early years provision are rated as good. The school is part of the Ascend Learning Trust, led by CEO Jane Coley and overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Simon Williams.
The school is currently navigating a period of transition and has an ambitious vision for its pupils, although this vision has not yet been fully realized. There is a noted lack of high expectations, which has resulted in a subpar quality of education for students. While some improvements have been made to the curriculum, many areas remain underdeveloped. Attendance has improved, and most pupils attend regularly. Students feel supported by staff when they have concerns, and they enjoy learning about different cultures, particularly given the high number of pupils from service families who may join mid-year.
Social interactions among pupils are generally positive, but classroom behavior expectations are not consistently established, leading to some students displaying negative attitudes toward their education. Pupils express enthusiasm for extracurricular activities, such as Lego and football clubs, which help them develop various skills. The school provides opportunities for leadership through initiatives like the school council.
The curriculum has seen some enhancements, particularly in mathematics, where a strengthened program is beginning to yield benefits. However, many subjects still lack comprehensive development, and in some areas, the curriculum does not effectively support knowledge retention. Staff knowledge varies, which can hinder student learning, and there is a need for higher expectations regarding pupil behavior and engagement.
In the early years, children in the nursery receive a strong start, with a well-structured curriculum that builds progressively. There is a focus on developing oracy skills, and children engage in activities that promote physical development and mathematical understanding. The school has prioritized reading, with pupils starting to learn as soon as they enter. However, some staff lack the necessary training to teach reading effectively, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding that affect their performance in other subjects.
The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to help them access the curriculum. Personal development is a strength, with a well-planned curriculum that addresses safety and mental health. Pupils participate in enriching experiences, such as visits to museums and theaters, which broaden their understanding of the world.
The trust overseeing the school is aware of its context and is beginning to implement changes that positively impact pupils. Staff appreciate the focus on their workload and well-being, and efforts are being made to enhance the skills of governors to better support school leadership. However, these initiatives are still in the early stages.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. To improve, the school must fully develop and implement the curriculum across all subjects, ensuring that pupils build a solid foundation of knowledge. Assessment practices need to be refined to identify and address gaps in understanding. Additionally, all staff must maintain high expectations for pupil behavior to foster a positive learning environment.
