Benedict Academy, located on Church Road in Mitcham, Surrey, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in May 2020. The inspection, conducted on October 8 and 9, 2024, resulted in an outstanding rating across all key areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Felicity Gilmore, leads the school, which is part of the STEP multi-academy trust, overseen by CEO Paul Glover and a board of trustees chaired by Ross Gardner.
The school is characterized by a strong commitment to high expectations for all pupils, fostering an environment where students thrive academically and personally. Pupils take pride in their school, demonstrating impeccable behavior and a strong work ethic. They make exceptional progress from their starting points, particularly in the early years, and the school’s published outcomes reflect this success.
Benedict Academy places a significant emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils to be responsible and caring citizens. The school’s values, such as commitment and aspiration, are evident in the various ways pupils engage with their community, including supporting local charities and taking on leadership roles within the school. The curriculum is rich and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, have access to the same high-quality education.
The curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills progressively, with careful consideration given to the key concepts pupils need to learn and the sequence in which they are taught. For instance, in history, early years pupils explore their personal stories before studying significant historical events. Teachers present new knowledge clearly, ensuring that pupils have a solid foundation before progressing to more complex concepts. This approach fosters independent and resilient learners who are confident in their abilities.
Teachers regularly assess pupils’ understanding and address any misconceptions promptly. They utilize assessment effectively to measure the impact of their teaching and to identify gaps in learning. The support provided to pupils with special educational needs and those new to learning English is commendable, enabling them to excel alongside their peers. The early years teaching is equally supportive and challenging, focusing on developing language, communication, social, and emotional skills.
A strong emphasis is placed on early reading, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception. Pupils develop the necessary skills to read fluently, with teachers ensuring that reading materials align with their phonetic knowledge. The school quickly identifies pupils who may struggle and provides tailored support to help them become confident readers. As pupils progress, they are introduced to a diverse range of challenging texts, and the school emphasizes accurate writing using a broad vocabulary.
Benedict Academy has made significant strides in improving attendance rates, working closely with families and external agencies to promote regular attendance. The positive attitudes of pupils towards learning are evident, as they exhibit politeness and courtesy in their interactions. The school has implemented a comprehensive personal development program that teaches pupils to respect diversity and understand the importance of equality. They learn about safety, including online safety, and how to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Staff at Benedict Academy express pride in their work and appreciate the improvements made in recent years. They value the efforts of school leaders to reduce workload and promote well-being. The board of trustees plays a crucial role in supporting school leaders while holding them accountable for the quality of education provided. Parents and carers have a positive view of the school, highlighting its caring ethos. Most pupils believe their school is exceptional, reflecting the overall positive sentiment within the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at Benedict Academy are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well-supported. The school’s commitment to excellence in education and personal development is evident in its outstanding inspection results, marking a significant achievement for the school and its community.
