Thorp Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 June 2024

This is an inclusive and ambitious school. Staff are committed to supporting and developing every pupil. They celebrate pupils' achievements daily. This motivates pupils and strengthens their self-belief. Pupils are polite and friendly. They show a respect for others and form positive relationships with their peers and with staff. The school has high expectations for what pupils can achieve. The school's ambitious curriculum reflects this. Pupils get the help they need to overcome any barriers to their learning. They work hard in lessons and produce work of a high quality. Pupils achieve well. This is a calm and orderly school with a positive learning environment. Pupils respond well to staff's instructions and established routines. They behave well in lessons. The school deals effectively with any inappropriate behaviour. It is not allowed to persist. Pupils' personal development has a high priority. Pupils enjoy visits to places of cultural interest. They have access to a wide range of clubs and extra-curricular activities. Pupils enjoy working towards the 'iAspire' challenge, and wear their 'iAspire' badges with pride. They also take on roles of responsibility, such as student councillors and well-being ambassadors.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, teachers do not use retrieval activities effectively enough or give pupils sufficient opportunity to discuss and debate their ideas. This means that some pupils do not secure the essential knowledge they need, while others do not deepen and extend their learning. The school should ensure that it provides teachers with the pedagogical training and development they need to secure and deepen pupils' knowledge and understanding with greater strength and consistency.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)