Rowde C of E Academy, located in Devizes, Wiltshire, was inspected on 20 and 21 February 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which caters to pupils aged four to eleven, is part of the Acorn Education Trust and is led by headteacher Alice Simpson. The trust provides support and oversight, with Sara Edwards as the CEO and David Middleton as the chair of trustees.
Pupils at Rowde C of E Academy enjoy their school experience, demonstrating respect for one another and exhibiting good behavior. The school promotes an ambitious culture, instilling a belief in success among its students. An inclusive environment is fostered, where pupils feel supported by staff who are dedicated to their success. This positive atmosphere contributes to pupils being enthusiastic learners.
The curriculum emphasizes the importance of diversity and community engagement. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles and learn about democracy and British values. They actively participate in various clubs and societies, enhancing their educational experience through extracurricular activities and school trips. The school prioritizes safety, particularly online, and pupils report feeling secure within the school environment. Interactions between different age groups, such as Year 6 students buddying with reception children, help build confidence and social skills among younger pupils.
Parents express positive sentiments about the school, noting its effectiveness in supporting their children's learning and development. The leadership team, including the headteacher and trust leaders, has made significant improvements to the curriculum, responding to previous outcomes and enhancing subject-specific content. This has led to more effective learning experiences for current pupils, particularly in mathematics, where students have shown progress in mental arithmetic and number recall.
Reading is a key focus at Rowde C of E Academy, starting from the moment children join the school. A strong emphasis on vocabulary, language, and communication is evident, with daily phonics lessons that are well-structured and effective. This approach ensures that children progress through the phonics curriculum successfully, with appropriate support for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-trained in teaching phonics, and pupils are provided with books that align with their phonetic knowledge, promoting fluent reading.
The school has identified essential knowledge and skills for most subjects, particularly in early years education, where the curriculum is delivered in manageable steps. However, some subjects in the wider curriculum are still under development, lacking clear identification of important knowledge, which can lead to gaps in pupils' understanding. Teachers effectively present information and check for understanding, allowing for adjustments in teaching to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
Pupils' personal development is supported through a curriculum that addresses discrimination, religious diversity, and equality. Attendance is prioritized, with staff actively monitoring and addressing absence issues in collaboration with parents. The trust provides robust support to the school, ensuring leaders are held accountable while also offering guidance for improvement. Staff feel valued and take pride in their work at Rowde C of E Academy.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance the curriculum, the school must ensure that all subjects clearly identify the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn, enabling them to build on their previous learning effectively. Overall, Rowde C of E Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
