Thomas Clarkson Academy ‘improving solidly,’ says Department for Education report

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. ROSA DJALO (Image: Archant)

A recent inspection found that methods to drive up standards are taking effect at the school which was rated as inadequate by Ofsted last year.

Tim Coulson, the regional schools’ commissioner, and a senior inspector, Mike Phipps, met principal Anne Hill and toured the school, visiting classrooms, watching lessons and speaking to students.

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. NATHAN THOMAS (Image: Archant)

The report found that the quality of teaching had improved, with substantial improvements in English, maths and science teaching, and that effective management of staff absence and additional recruitment means “the staffing situation going forward appears positive”.

It went on to say “relationships between teachers and pupils appeared good” and that re-organisation of the school day has produced “a more purposeful atmosphere”.

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results mornin. NATHAN THOMAS, JOSEPH MOORE AND BETH ELLERBY (Image: Archant)

Year 11 students said “most teachers in school are good now” and that the school continues to improve, especially regarding pupils’ behaviour in lessons and around the school.

The report concludes: “Overall the school seems to be improving solidly in terms of leadership capacity, the quality of teaching and pupils’ attitudes and behaviour.”

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. PRINCIPAL ANNE HILL WITH JOSEPH MOORE, NATHAN THOMAS AND BETH ELLERBY (Image: Archant)

Dr Andrew Campbell, chief executive of the Brooke Weston Trust, said: “This was a very positive report showing strategies put in place so far are paying big dividends in the recruitment of staff, the behaviour of students and improvements in subject unlikely to look different significantly from last year’s figures, but what is going on below this headline is really inspirational.

“Anne Hill and her fantastic staff are carrying out a raft of improvements and we are very confident that step change is just around the corner. As the regional schools commissioner said, he shares our optimism for this important work.”

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. BETH ELLERBY (Image: Archant)

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. AIRONAS BUDRYS (Image: Archant)

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. ROSA DJOLA (Image: Archant)

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. ABBIE MURRAY (Image: Archant)

Plenty of reasons for celebrations at Thomas Clarkson Academy as A-Levels were announced. Our thanks to the staff for capturing some of the highlights of results morning. GERTRUDA (Image: Archant)