St Mark’s Church of England Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils flourish at this school. Guided by the school's vision of 'transformation for all', leaders have the very highest expectations of all pupils. Staff go above and beyond to support pupils in all aspects of their education.

Consequently, pupils achieve highly across the curriculum.

Pupils said the school's values of Love, Hope and Trust are 'not just words' but are demonstrated by all members of the community. Working relationships between staff and pupils are warm, caring and respectful.

This means that pupils behave exceptionally well and are very happy and safe.

Staff and pupils are proud to be part of a close-knit school community that is wor...king together for a common purpose. Parents and carers highly value the school's work.

The school's cultural diversity is celebrated by all at every turn. For example, pupils from the school council talk proudly of their leadership of the recent culture days.

The school's work to develop pupils' character is exceptional.

Pupils attend many clubs, including cooking, Korean, coding and keyboard. They take part in whole-school enrichment days involving trips to museums, outdoor activity centres and theatres. Students in the sixth form become prefects, raise money for local charities and support younger pupils with their learning in lessons.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has created an ambitious, focused and engaging curriculum across all subjects. Many pupils arrive with low reading ages or with English as an additional language. The school supports these pupils highly effectively.

For instance, pupils in Years 10 and 11 who have recently arrived in the country join the school's 'SMART provision'. This develops pupils' English, learning of core subjects and key life skills. Many pupils then progress to the school's sixth form successfully.

Leaders ensure that a focus on developing pupils' literacy is embedded throughout the curriculum. Depending on their needs, pupils receive targeted phonics teaching, fluency support or comprehension work. All pupils take part in regular 'drop everything and read' sessions to develop their love of reading.

The school has thought carefully about what pupils learn and in what order. For example, in English, pupils from Years 7 to 13 learn about three big ideas through connected literature: power and conflict, social responsibility and identity. For example, staff teach pupils about the irresponsible use of power in Macbeth or Othello.

In mathematics, pupils learn about basic equations in Year 7, before studying equations with brackets in Year 8 and quadratic equations in Years 9 and 10. This means that pupils develop very strong mathematical foundations to solve mathematical problems confidently.

Staff identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) swiftly.

The school shares pupils' individual information with staff systematically. This helps teachers to ensure that appropriate and effective adaptations are put in place. As a result, pupils with SEND successfully access the ambitious curriculum.

Teachers are passionate subject experts. They introduce new knowledge and vocabulary skilfully. Teaching recaps on key subject content regularly to embed it in pupils' long-term memory.

Staff check carefully that pupils understand what they have been taught before teaching new content. As a result, pupils' knowledge across the curriculum builds up deeply. A relentless drive for excellence and high aspiration for all continues into the sixth form.

Leaders have very high expectations of pupils' attitudes to learning in lessons and their conduct around the school. Pupils meet these expectations very well. Any pupils who struggle with their behaviour are supported exceptionally well.

Bullying is rare, but if it does happen, pupils know they can talk to an adult and it will be dealt with. Pupils' attendance is treated as a top priority. The school follows up any pupil's absence immediately.

As a result, pupils' attendance at the school is very high.

All pupils, including those in the sixth form, benefit from a very high-quality programme of pastoral support called 'Lifeology'. They learn about important issues such as consent, puberty and how to stay safe.

Every opportunity is taken to support pupils' character development, for example in assemblies, religious services or conversations in the corridor.

The careers programme is well structured from Year 7 onwards to ensure that pupils get the information they need. Leaders prepare pupils and students in the sixth form extremely well for the next stage of education, employment or training.

Many students speak highly of the individual guidance and opportunities that leaders have sought for them.

Many staff said the school feels like a 'family'. They thrive as a result of the high-quality professional development provided by the school and trust.

Leaders at all levels work well together and are committed to further improvement. Trust leaders and governors know and support the school very well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.