St Augustine's CofE Academy

Overview

St Augustine’s C of E Academy is described as a place where “pupils flourish” and are nurtured to become “responsible and caring citizens.” The report highlights an “ambitious” curriculum and “exceptional” personal development, supported by high staff morale and effective leadership. While the overall effectiveness is judged as Good, with Outstanding behaviour and personal development, the school is advised to refine curriculum planning in specific subjects.

Strengths

• Pupils display “exemplary” behaviour, are “polite,” and demonstrate resilience using strategies like ‘brain, buddy, boss’ when facing challenges.
• The school’s values of “love, hope and friendship” create a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and describe the school as “like a warm hug.”
• Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “thrive,” receiving expert support to access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.
• Reading is a top priority, with staff well-trained to correct errors quickly, fostering a “love of reading” from Nursery onwards.
• Personal development is “exceptional,” featuring programmes like ‘50 things to do before you’re 9’ and strong community links that help pupils recognise their positive impact.

Areas to improve

• In a few subjects, leaders have not identified the precise knowledge pupils should learn and when, meaning new learning does not always build logically on prior knowledge. The school should ensure important knowledge is clearly identified across all subjects from Nursery to Year 4.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”