The Thomas Adams School, located in Lowe Hill, Wem, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has recently undergone an inspection from September 12 to 14, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The headteacher, Mark Cooper, leads the school, which is part of the 3-18 Education Trust, overseen by CEO David O’Toole and a board of trustees chaired by Gary Turner.
The school is characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere, fostering positive relationships between staff and pupils. High expectations are set for student achievement, and the school actively nurtures individual talents and interests. Most pupils enjoy attending school, demonstrating good behaviour and engagement in lessons. They listen attentively and participate purposefully in tasks, while also interacting positively during social times. Pupils feel safe and confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by teachers. The sixth-form students serve as positive role models for younger pupils.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with careful consideration given to the order of topics and the development of knowledge and skills over time. Many pupils make good progress in their learning across various subjects, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama clubs. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, highlighting its supportive environment.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge and present new material effectively. However, there are instances where questioning techniques are not consistently applied to check pupils' understanding before progressing to new content, which can lead to gaps in knowledge. The school provides effective support for pupils struggling with reading, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate help, including phonics support.
The school has a robust approach to identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Learning plans are regularly reviewed, and pupils with SEND are included in all aspects of school life. However, there are occasions when tasks are not adequately adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, which can hinder their learning.
The school promotes broader development through a well-structured personal, social, health, and economic curriculum, delivered through various activities throughout the year. Pupils learn about important topics such as consent and healthy relationships, although some students feel that the delivery of these topics could be improved for better retention.
The careers programme is extensive, providing pupils with opportunities to learn about future employment and education options. Sixth-form students receive strong support for university applications and career planning. Senior leaders maintain an accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas for development, working collaboratively with parents and trust leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must address the need for consistent implementation of high expectations across all areas of school life to ensure that every pupil can achieve their full potential. Overall, the Thomas Adams School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
