A recent monitoring inspection by the Department for Education has found that Thomas Clarkson Academy is ‘improving solidly’ and that intervention strategies to drive up standards of teaching and learning are taking effect.

Mr 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 collecting student opinion.

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.’

Year 11 students told Mr Phipps that ‘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.’

The academy was tasked to continue to improve its outcomes, the quality of teaching and carry on with changes to the school curriculum.

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 performance.

We know that the new school league table metrics mean that TCA’s summer’s exam results are 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.’