A primary school serving the military and local community has impressed inspectors with its curriculum which allows classmates of varying ages to learn together.
Alanbrooke Academy, next to the home barracks of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, near Thirsk, has secured Ofsted’s top grading of outstanding across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management.
Before converting to an academy and joining the Elevate Multi Academy Trust, the school was rated inadequate at its last inspection.
The transformation for its 22 pupils, aged 4 to 11, is down to a team effort of pupils, staff, governors and parents, as well as senior leaders at the Elevate Trust and sister school of Sowerby Primary Academy, according to executive headteacher of both schools Keeley Ungerechts.
She also praised inspectors. “They really listened to how we structure our leadership and the rationale around our curriculum which defines standards for each of the year groups,” she said.
“They got the opportunity to speak to every single child and it was the children who sold what we have here to the inspectors, with one Year 6 boy telling them ‘we might be small but we have a big heart’.”
The school has just two classes with Reception, Year 1 and 2 in one and Key Stage 2, comprising Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, all learning together in harmony as teachers and senior staff ensure the lessons are delivered at the appropriate levels for the age groups.
The majority of pupils are from Army families and many have to learn against a backdrop of regular moves as parents are posted elsewhere.
The school shares the executive deputy head Katy Long, as well as the PSHE, phonics leads and the governing body with Sowerby.
“Inspectors were able to unpick in detail how children’s needs are met and the expectations teachers and the highly skilled teaching assistants have by exploring what lessons look like for Years 3 to 6.
“Two of our teachers started as TAs with me at Sowerby and only joined the school in September and I am especially proud of them and this success in their first year of teaching at the school.”
The school also features above average numbers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who are supported by Elevate’s centralised SENDCO provision.
Mrs Ungerechts praised staff for ‘going above and beyond’ to ensure pupils benefitted from enrichment activities, including giving up their own time to take them on residentials and take part in sport.
Inspectors described Alanbrooke Academy as ‘inclusive and aspirational’. “Pupils flourish in this small school,” the report said. “Pupils are proud to come here. The school’s culture helps them feel safe, valued, and respected. The school has high expectations for all pupils as soon as they join. They achieve exceptionally well.
“The school’s curriculum is ambitious and engaging. The school provides pupils with an excellent foundation for their future learning. Pupils behave impeccably. They display high levels of respect and kindness at all times. The school has a strong focus on developing pupils’ individual talents and confidence.”
Inspectors highlighted that parents were overwhelmingly positive about the school, praising the high-quality education, support and opportunities provided for their children.
“The school recognises some pupils may have attended a number of schools prior to joining Alanbrooke Academy,” the report said. “The school carefully checks what pupils know and can do as soon as they join. Mixed-age classes are expertly managed. Leaders have refined their curriculum to ensure that year group expectations are clearly met. Pupils are excited by their learning and produce work of a high quality.
“The school’s exceptional personal development offer exceeds its small size. The ‘Troopers’ group supports service children in navigating school life, sharing experiences and ensuring they feel a strong sense of belonging.
“Leaders provide outstanding strategic direction and hands-on support. They have a deep understanding of the school’s unique challenges.”
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