Inspector praises schoolâs vision and ethos
Heartfelt praise has been heaped on The St Lawrence Academy following a statutory inspection.
The school is âcentral to the community it serves,â where students and staff âlive incredibly well together in a harmonious learning environmentâ, says the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schoolsâ report.
Headteacher Matt Hire was âincredibly proudâ of the reportâs findings and felt it an accurate reflection of life at the school, a member of St Lawrence Academies Trust.
âThe report celebrates the diversity across the school and the church values we live and breathe day-to-day,â he said.
âI am particularly proud our vision and ethos are recognised. This is a safe space and the heartbeat of the community, where children and adults of all faiths work together daily.â
A party to celebrate the end of the Eid last week attracted more than 400 students, Muslim and non-Muslim.
âIt echoed what the school is all about, where students support each other and staff go above and beyond to help the children,â said Mr Hire.
âI have only been here two terms and I already feel part of a school community that makes a difference to the lives of young people; the positives highlighted by the report are a result of the of consistent work over a period of time.
âThe SIAMs report highlights this Academy is not just about academic achievement but its reputation built around what it does beyond the classroom.
âItâs in the corridors and canteen and what happens here after school, with the charity fundraising, the CCF and Community CafĂ© to name just a few of the activities.â
The Church of England Education Office inspector, Kelly Wall, described the school community as âwonderfully diverseâ, making it welcoming for all.
âLeaders, including governors, describe students and adults as âtreasuresâ,â she reports.
âThis inspires them to find ways to unlock the gifts and talents of each unique individual.
âThe carefully considered values of respect, truth, generosity, forgiveness and justice support the vision to be lived out daily.
âThere is a natural synergy between the visions of the St Lawrence Academies Trust and the school.
âAs a result, they work collaboratively to support students to flourish.â
The curriculum, driven by the Christian vision, provides a well-rounded educational experience, the report says, with students âwell prepared for life beyond schoolâ.
âThe vision of âtransforming communitiesâ has inspired the establishment of a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and community cafĂ©. Students thoroughly embrace the challenging and new opportunities the vibrant and thriving CCF provides.â
The report goes on: âStudents are encouraged to bring about positive change. They speak enthusiastically about standing up against injustice.
âThey regularly lead litter collections, make donations to the food bank and raise money for the local hospice. As a result, the school really is central to the community it serves.â
Students receive âexceptionalâ pastoral care while wellbeing for all was at the heart of the school.
âThe dedicated nurture provision supports students through challenging times and provides a safe place for them to grow. As a result, lives really are transformed.
âStaff are supported to develop professionally through bespoke development programmes.
âConsequently, staff retention is high. Relationships at all levels are built upon mutual respect.
âStudent peer mentors both model this and support others to achieve it.â
Forgiveness and justice were central to the schoolâs behaviour policy.
âAs a result, adults and students live incredibly well together in a harmonious learning environment,â the report adds.
St Lawrence Academies Trust Chief Executive Officer Mike Adnitt was delighted by the report.
âI am very proud of the report as it reflects the enormous amount of work over a number of years that has gone into making the Academy the heart of the community,â Mr Adnitt said.
âStudents, staff, governors and the wider community should also be proud of their positive contributions that ensure the academy transform lives.â
The full report can be read at SIAMS Inspection Report