The Roundhill Academy Review 2026: An Improving School in Thurmaston

Situated on Melton Road in Thurmaston, The Roundhill Academy serves students aged 11 to 16 from the northern edge of Leicester. The school is currently on a journey of rapid improvement. Following a challenging period, the latest Ofsted inspection in July 2023 acknowledged significant progress, removing the school from special measures and rating it Requires Improvement. With new leadership and the support of the Bradgate Education Partnership, the academy is working hard to restore its reputation as a stable, ambitious choice for the local community.

The campus has occupied its site since the 1950s but has seen substantial modernisation to support a broad curriculum. The atmosphere is one of renewed purpose. Under the leadership of Mrs Natalie Teece, there is a clear focus on raising standards and establishing consistent routines. The school motto is built around the core values of "Nurture, Enrich, Inspire", which are increasingly visible in daily life.

The 2023 inspection noted that the school is becoming "more settled and stable" after a period of turbulence. Relationships between staff and students are typically positive, and there is a concerted effort to create a calm environment. While the school acknowledges that consistency remains a work in progress, parents report that communication and oversight have strengthened significantly.

Academic outcomes in 2024 show a school performing close to national averages in key measures. The Attainment 8 score of 45.6 is broadly in line with the England average of 45.9, suggesting that students generally leave with grades comparable to their peers across the country.

The Progress 8 score of -0.27 indicates that, on average, students make slightly less progress from their primary school starting points than the national benchmark. This figure places the school in the "national typical" band, reflecting performance consistent with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

In the basics, performance is solid. Approximately 49% of students achieved a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in both English and Mathematics. The school ranks 2,352nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 35th locally.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to keep options open for students as long as possible. Key Stage 3 covers the full range of National Curriculum subjects, including art, drama, music, and technology. The school has introduced new strategies to help students "know and remember more", with a particular focus on retrieval practice in lessons.

Teaching quality is strengthening. Inspectors noted that teachers generally have secure subject knowledge and present information clearly. However, the consistency of checking understanding varies; in some lessons, gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed immediately, while in others, this is less effective.

There is a strong emphasis on reading. A phonics scheme supports students who arrive with lower literacy levels, and the library is used to promote reading for pleasure.

Pastoral care is organised around year groups, with dedicated Heads of Year providing a consistent point of contact. The school has worked to improve its support for vulnerable students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The 2023 report highlighted that oversight of SEND provision has improved, although support in the classroom needs to be more consistently prioritised.

Behaviour is a key focus area. The school has introduced new policies to manage conduct, and while many students behave well, low-level disruption can still occur. Leaders are aware of this and are "working with determination" to ensure high expectations are met in every classroom.

The extracurricular programme is rebuilding after the disruptions of recent years. Sport is a mainstay, with the school fielding teams in football, netball, and athletics, utilizing its extensive playing fields. The PE department encourages participation from all abilities, not just elite athletes.

The arts are also represented, with opportunities for students to participate in drama productions and music groups. 'Spirit Week' and other cultural events have been introduced to foster a sense of community and celebrate diversity, though students have expressed a desire for even more variety in clubs and activities.

Admission to The Roundhill Academy is coordinated by Leicestershire County Council. The school is a popular choice for families in Thurmaston, Syston, and surrounding villages.

Despite its challenges, demand for places remains high. In the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, with a subscription ratio of 2.5 applications per place. This suggests that local families maintain confidence in the school's trajectory.

Priority is given to looked-after children and those with an EHCP naming the school. Subsequent criteria include catchment area residence and siblings currently attending the school. The final places are allocated based on straight-line distance from the school gate.

The school day begins at 8:40am, with students expected on site by 8:35am. It finishes at 3:00pm (3:10pm on some days/timetables, check current schedule). The site is well-served by local bus routes along Melton Road.

There is no sixth form. Students leave at 16 to attend local colleges, with popular destinations including Gateway College, WQE (Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College), and Leicester College. The school provides careers advice to support these transitions, including work experience opportunities in Year 10.

Requires Improvement rating: The school is currently rated Requires Improvement (July 2023). While this is a step up from the previous Inadequate rating and inspectors noted "rapid improvement", families should be aware that the school is still in a phase of rebuilding consistency.

No Sixth Form: This is an 11-16 school. Students will need to move to a new institution for A-levels or vocational qualifications. This transition can be a positive step towards independence but breaks the continuity of an all-through school.

Behaviour consistency: While improving, reports indicate that behaviour management can vary between teachers. Parents of children who need a highly predictable environment should discuss current support structures with the SENCO or pastoral team.

The Roundhill Academy is a school moving in the right direction. It has weathered significant challenges and is now stabilising under capable leadership. The academic results are respectable, sitting close to national averages, and the pastoral systems are becoming more robust. Best suited to local families who want a community school that is actively improving and who value the broad, inclusive curriculum on offer. The main challenge is securing a place in a competitive year.