St Michael's Church of England Academy, located in Paignton, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening in September 2021. The inspection, conducted on April 30 and May 1, 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Julie Edwards, leads the school, which is part of the Learning Academy Partnership, a multi-academy trust overseen by CEO Tracey Cleverly and a board of trustees chaired by Joanne Tisdall.
The school fosters a welcoming and friendly environment where pupils are encouraged to embody the values of love, hope, wisdom, and community. These values are integrated into assemblies and daily learning, helping students understand their significance in personal development. The behavior of pupils is exemplary, characterized by kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect. Lessons are conducted in a calm and purposeful manner, with students eager to engage and share their ideas. The school promotes positive social interactions, allowing pupils to participate in sporting and outdoor events with peers from other schools.
St Michael's Academy emphasizes the importance of regular attendance, and most pupils attend consistently. Parents express overwhelming satisfaction with the school, appreciating the care and support their children receive. The school ensures that pupils feel safe and know they can seek help from staff if needed. Educational trips, such as visits to places of interest, enhance learning experiences and encourage active citizenship within the community.
The curriculum at St Michael's is ambitious, with a clear outline of essential knowledge for pupils to acquire over time. Regular revisiting of concepts allows students to connect new ideas with prior learning. For instance, in geography, pupils relate their studies of Bondi Beach to previous lessons on human and physical features. Teachers frequently assess pupils' understanding, providing support for those who may be falling behind.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. In some subjects, the school has not sufficiently defined the specific knowledge that pupils should learn, which can hinder the depth of understanding and skills necessary for future learning. Additionally, the assessment practices in certain foundation subjects require further development to accurately gauge pupil progress and inform future teaching strategies.
The school effectively integrates oracy skills development throughout the curriculum, starting from the early years. Children are encouraged to use appropriate vocabulary in various contexts, laying a strong foundation for their reading skills. In the Reception Year, pupils begin reading with well-matched books that correspond to their phonetic knowledge, allowing for rapid progress. The school also provides targeted support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can participate fully in school life and make progress through the curriculum.
Personal, social, and health education is woven into the fabric of school life, promoting understanding of diverse faiths and cultures. Pupils learn the importance of fairness and have an age-appropriate grasp of British values and protected characteristics. Opportunities for leadership and responsibility help develop pupils' confidence and empathy, with older students taking on roles such as buddies for younger children.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The commitment of the trust and local governing body to providing a high-quality education is evident, even amidst challenges such as temporary accommodation during ongoing building work. Overall, St Michael's Church of England Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering a good quality of education while fostering a supportive and inclusive community for its pupils.
