Gonville Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 April 2023

This is a caring and welcoming school. Many parents and carers said that leaders and teachers are approachable and listen to their views. Pupils are friendly and supportive of each other. For example, they love writing inspirational messages for others to read on the 'well-being wall' in the playground. School staff form trusting, nurturing professional relationships with pupils. Many pupils said that they feel able to speak to a member of staff if they are worried about anything. Pupils are confident that any problems will be sorted out. Pupils are happy and safe. Children settle in quickly when they start school in the early years. Pupils quickly learn the school rules and expectations. Pupils behave well and enjoy their learning. Leaders have high ambition for pupils. They want pupils to do well academically. The published academic outcomes for the school are strong. Leaders are equally ambitious for pupils' personal development. They teach pupils about the right to be treated with respect and consideration and the legal right to be treated equally. Recently, the school received an award for the work done on race equality.

What the school should improve

• Occasionally, leaders miss opportunities to deepen pupils' knowledge and provide opportunities for pupils to link new knowledge to what was learned before. As a result, pupils have a few gaps in their knowledge. Leaders must ensure that teaching explicitly connects new and previous learning so that pupils broaden and deepen their knowledge as they get older.

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