Staff and students celebrated their best ever Grade 5 and above GCSE results in English and Maths.
The number of students achieving Grade 4 or above in English and Maths, also increased dramatically to 71% - a 25% increase year on year and well above National Average.
This year’s results are a significant improvement on last year with 50% of students achieving a Grade 5 or above in English and Maths, a 17% increase.
"I have come so that you may have life... in all its fullness" ~ John 10:10
At The Deanery Church of England Academy, we believe that personal development is just as important as academic success. We are committed to providing a wide range of opportunities that enable every student to flourish as a confident, respectful and active member of society, well prepared for life in modern Britain.
Through our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum, our Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum (RSHE), alongside a rich enrichment and extra-curricular programme, students are encouraged to get involved, be curious and explore the world around them. We actively promote respect for others, celebrating diversity and encouraging understanding of different perspectives.
Our PSHE/RSHE programme covers a number of key themes:
These lessons support students in developing confidence, emotional resilience and the ability to discuss important issues in a mature and respectful way, including those that may be sensitive.
Our Religious Education curriculum enables students to study a range of faiths, beliefs and worldviews, including secular and Humanist perspectives. In a safe and supportive environment, students are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, share ideas and take part in meaningful discussions and debates.
We are also dedicated to preparing students for their future pathways. Our Careers Education programme includes visits from further education providers, engagement with employers and opportunities such as sixth form taster experiences, helping students make informed decisions about their next steps.
Students’ Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) development is central to life at The Deanery. Through our tutor programme and weekly assemblies, students explore a wide range of themes, from cultural celebrations such as Diwali to important topics like equality and disability awareness.
Rooted in our Christian ethos, we recognise every student as a unique and valued individual, created in the image of God. We strive to ensure that all members of our community feel represented, respected and supported to grow and thrive.
At The Deanery CE Academy, we are committed to creating a community where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual and promote a culture where all can flourish.
Through our curriculum, including PSHE and Religious Education lessons, students learn about the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. We explore the nine protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010, helping students to understand and appreciate the rich diversity of modern society.
We provide opportunities for students to discuss important issues, ask thoughtful questions and challenge prejudice in a supportive environment. This helps to nurture a culture of respect, compassion and understanding, where every voice is heard and valued.
Guided by our Christian values, we believe that each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made” and created in the image of God. This belief underpins our commitment to ensuring there is no place for discrimination or intolerance within our academy.
We aim to develop young people who are:
At The Deanery, we encourage our students to recognise their own worth and the value of others, preparing them to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
British Values underpin everything we do. They reflect what it means to live in modern Britain and help create a safe, inclusive and respectful community where everyone feels valued.
These values align closely with our school vision of wisdom, hope, service and resilience, and with the teachings of Jesus, who modelled respect, compassion and care for others.
The Five British Values
1. The Rule of Law
Laws are in place to protect everyone and ensure fairness and safety. They create order and stability, allowing us to enjoy our rights and freedoms.
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
2. Individual Liberty
Everyone has the freedom to make their own choices, as long as these do not harm others. We encourage students to make positive, responsible decisions.
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24)
3. Democracy
In Britain, everyone has a voice. We promote opportunities for students to express their views and understand how they can contribute to decision-making.
“Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men…” (Deuteronomy 1:13)
4. Mutual Respect
We treat others as we would wish to be treated. Differences of opinion are respected, helping to build a community where everyone feels safe and valued.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
5. Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
We celebrate diversity and welcome people of all faiths and none. Students learn to value and respect different beliefs and cultures.
“Do not call anyone impure or unclean.” (Acts 10:28)
How We Promote British Values
Students experience British Values throughout school life, particularly through subjects such as Religious Education, History, Geography and PSHE, as well as during assemblies and tutor time.
Through our curriculum and wider opportunities, we prepare students to become respectful, informed and active citizens, ready to contribute positively to society.
At The Deanery Church of England Academy, we believe education is about more than academic success. It is about supporting young people to grow into confident, thoughtful and resilient individuals, well prepared for life in an ever-changing world.
Young people today face a range of challenges, particularly with the rapid development of technology and social media. As a school, we work closely with parents and carers to ensure our students are equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the personal, social and emotional skills they need to thrive.
Our PSHE curriculum is carefully designed to support students in understanding how to stay safe, maintain positive wellbeing and develop the values and character needed to succeed in life. It combines statutory guidance with a strong awareness of the needs of our local Swindon community.
Throughout their time at The Deanery, students explore a range of topics that prepare them for life in modern Britain, with key themes including:
Our curriculum is underpinned by British values alongside our Deanery values of wisdom, hope, service and resilience, helping to guide students as they develop into responsible and compassionate members of society.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
RSHE is a statutory part of the PSHCE curriculum in all secondary schools. At The Deanery, this is delivered in a safe, supportive and age-appropriate way, ensuring students receive accurate and reliable information.
Topics include:
Students are encouraged to ask questions in a respectful environment, and their privacy is always protected. Our aim is to ensure that all young people feel informed, safe and able to make positive choices.
Right to Withdraw
Parents and carers have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from the sex education elements of RSHE. However, it is important to note that the relationships and health components are statutory and cannot be withdrawn.
We strongly encourage full participation in the curriculum, as it provides students with essential knowledge to navigate the modern world safely and confidently. Requests for withdrawal can be made in writing to the school (for the attention of Mrs Connors) via: admin@deanerycofeacademy.org.uk
Our Commitment
At The Deanery, we believe that informed students are empowered students. Through PSHE, we aim to give every young person the tools, confidence and understanding they need to lead healthy, fulfilled lives and to make a positive contribution to their community.
Rooted in our Christian ethos, we recognise every individual as valued and loved, created in the image of God. We are committed to ensuring that all members of our school community are treated with dignity, respect and care.
Further information on what is taught in the RSE curriculum can be found here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/10/what-do-children-and-young-people-learn-in-relationship-sex-and-health-education/
For further information about our PSHE curriculum, please click here.
At The Deanery Church of England Academy, our enrichment programme is an important part of school life, offering students a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom that support both personal development and academic success.
Our varied enrichment offer enables every student to explore their interests, develop new talents and grow in confidence. Whether it’s through sport and fitness, creative arts, leadership opportunities, or social activities, there is something to inspire and engage everyone.
These experiences are rooted in our Christian values, encouraging students to show respect, responsibility and perseverance, while working collaboratively with others. Through enrichment, students build character, strengthen relationships and develop the skills they need for future education, employment and life beyond school.
Opportunities within the programme allow students to:
Our enrichment activities help to nurture well-rounded individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to their communities.
For more information about our enrichment programme, please click here
Our trips and visits programme plays an important role in bringing learning to life and creating lasting memories for our students.
In recent years, we have been delighted to establish and expand our offer, providing a wide range of exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad. Students have taken part in memorable residential visits to destinations such as Paris, Swanage, PGL, as well as curriculum-linked trips closer to home, including visits to London, local businesses and the theatre.
These experiences are carefully planned to enrich classroom learning, giving students the chance to explore new places, experience different cultures and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Whether it is a geography field trip, a history visit or a cultural experience abroad, each opportunity helps to build confidence, independence and a sense of adventure.
Our trips and visits programme continues to grow, with new opportunities regularly being developed. We are committed to ensuring that all students can access meaningful experiences that broaden their horizons, develop cultural capital and support their aspirations for the future.
FAITH - HOPE - ACTION
The Archbishop’s Young Leaders Award (AYLA) is a Key Stage 3 programme that develops leadership, character and personal growth. It supports students to become confident, resilient young leaders with a growth mindset, strong communication skills and a deep sense of compassion for others.
Delivered across two terms, the programme encourages pupils to:
AYLA is closely linked to our curriculum, supporting literacy, numeracy, oracy, citizenship and PSHE. It helps students grow as independent, compassionate individuals who are committed to making the world a better place.
Through the award, pupils:
Students take part in personal challenges and community projects, working both individually and in teams. These experiences help them develop essential life skills and become respectful, active citizens who can make a positive difference locally, nationally and globally.
You can find out more about this award through the AYLA website here: https://www.archbishopofyorkyouthtrust.co.uk/keystage3
At The Deanery CofE Academy, we are proud to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) – a nationally recognised programme that empowers young people to grow in confidence, independence and resilience beyond the classroom.
The Award is open to students in Years 10 and 11, with pathways beginning for Year 9 students from the Easter term. Through a balanced programme of activities, participants develop valuable life skills while discovering new interests and strengthening existing ones.
Students take part in a range of challenges that encourage teamwork, perseverance and respect for others. As they progress through their Award, they learn to set goals, manage their time and take responsibility for their own achievements – all in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The DofE experience helps students to:
By completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, students leave with not only a recognised qualification, but also the skills, character and determination needed for success in life.
SENCO – Laura Connors
ConnorsL@deanerycofeacademy.org.uk
School of Solutions - The Park Academies Trust
SchoolofSolutions@theparkacademiestrust.com
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