Following a visit on 28 and 29 January 2025, Ofsted has confirmed that Thomas Clarkson Academy in Wisbech has taken effective action to maintain the high standards identified in its previous inspection where it was recognised as a ‘Good’ school.

The Ofsted report praises the academy’s supportive approach, stating that “pupils are proud of their school. They value the warm, inclusive environment.”

Inspectors highlighted the strong relationships between students and staff, noting that “pupils appreciate the genuine interest adults have in them as individuals. This helps build a culture based on strong bonds of trust and mutual respect.”

Beyond the classroom, Thomas Clarkson Academy, which is a member of the Brooke Weston Trust, offers an array of enrichment opportunities, enabling students to explore new interests and talents. The report highlights that “pupils enjoy a broad range of opportunities to foster new interests and talents” and “pupils are enthusiastic about the offer.”

The school’s curriculum was also commended for preparing pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), for their next steps.

Inspectors acknowledged the academy’s efforts to address previous challenges in pupil outcomes, stating that “the school has forensically considered why pupils’ outcomes were lower in 2024 than in previous years. This has led to improvements in how the curriculum is taught.”

Reading remains a key focus at the academy, with a targeted approach to supporting younger pupils. The report states, the academy “has identified the specific barriers to reading for younger pupils who struggle to read. Many progress rapidly to become confident and fluent readers.”

Teaching quality was another strength identified in the report. “Teachers have strong subject knowledge. Sixth-form students in particular benefit from their teachers’ depth of knowledge.” The academy has ensured that all teachers “have the expertise to teach the curriculum as expected.”

Reflecting on the report, Principal Matthew Dobbing said: “Thomas Clarkson Academy is a wonderful school, and we are extremely proud of our young people. This Ofsted report reflects the dedication and ambition of our learning community of students, staff, and families. We truly believe in our school motto: ‘Transform, Challenge, Aspire.’ We will work hard to ensure that every student has the best opportunities to achieve academic success and develop the skills needed to progress to university or the career of their choice.

“The report highlights the strong relationships, inclusive culture, and high expectations that define our academy.

 

We recognise there is still work to do and we are fully committed to continuous improvement and providing an enriching, ambitious curriculum that allows every student to thrive. I want to thank our incredible staff and supportive community for their unwavering commitment to our students’ success.”

The governance and leadership at the academy were recognised for their robust oversight and commitment to continuous improvement. “Governors and trustees robustly challenge leaders to ensure that actions are always taken in pupils’ best interests. They check to ensure that actions lead to improvement.” Staff at the academy feel valued and supported, with inspectors noting that “staff are proud to work at the school. Staff know that when they discuss important issues with leaders, such as workload, the school will respond to their concerns.”

All OFSTED reports identify areas of focus for improvement. Inspectors identified two key areas for further development. The school should refine its approach to checking pupils’ understanding to ensure that learning gaps are identified with precision and greater consistency should be ensured in behaviour management to maintain the highest standards across the school.

Andrew Campbell, CEO of Brooke Weston Trust, said: "This Ofsted report is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Mr Dobbing and the entire Thomas Clarkson Academy community. Their commitment to nurturing an inclusive, ambitious, and high-achieving environment is clear, and we are proud to see the strong relationships, academic focus, and enrichment opportunities that support every student’s success.

“At Brooke Weston Trust, our mission is to transform educational performance and remove barriers to learning, and it is evident that Thomas Clarkson Academy is making great strides in fulfilling this vision. While there is always more to do, we are confident in the academy’s ongoing progress and the positive impact it continues to have on its students and the Wisbech community."

The full report can be found on Ofsted’s website here.