Thorncombe, St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy, located in Somerset, underwent an inspection on 10 and 11 October 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The headteacher, Jessica Evans, leads the school, which is part of the Acorn Multi Academy Trust. The trust, overseen by CEO Andrea Rice and a board of trustees chaired by Brian Impey, has brought a more aspirational approach to the school since taking over its management. This shift has resulted in higher expectations for pupils, contributing to notable improvements in various areas.
Pupils at Thorncombe feel happy and safe, benefiting from a strong community ethos. They respond positively to daily routines and expectations, taking pride in their work and engaging in charitable activities that broaden their understanding of the world. Older students are given responsibilities, such as being librarians or play leaders, which fosters their leadership skills in a supportive environment.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in curriculum development. While pupils excel in subjects like mathematics and phonics, there is a need for improvement in the overall curriculum to ensure that knowledge is built effectively across all subjects. Some subjects, particularly art and history, lack clearly defined key concepts, hindering pupils' ability to remember and build on prior learning.
Behaviour among pupils is generally respectful, and they navigate the school calmly. The school has made strides in improving pupils' conduct, particularly among younger children in early years settings. Staff are well-informed about the individual needs of pupils, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and support is tailored to help these pupils succeed.
The curriculum is evolving, with many subjects being well-designed. However, further revisions are necessary in certain areas to enhance pupils' learning experiences. The school has identified weaknesses in pupils' writing abilities, particularly in producing longer responses with neat handwriting. While most older pupils have improved, some still struggle with presentation and basic spelling and punctuation.
Attendance remains a concern, with a minority of pupils missing valuable learning time. The school is actively working to improve attendance rates to ensure that all pupils can progress effectively through the curriculum. The school’s motto, “Living, Learning and Growing Together,” reflects its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
The personal, social, health, and economic curriculum equips pupils with essential knowledge about health and community engagement. The school emphasizes e-safety, preparing pupils to be responsible citizens in a digital age. Staff feel supported and value collaboration with colleagues across the trust, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Thorncombe are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The inspection highlighted the need for continued focus on curriculum development and attendance improvement to enhance the overall educational experience for pupils. The school is on a path of improvement, and with ongoing efforts, it aims to achieve a higher standard of education for all its students.
