What are the strengths of The Marvell College?

We believe that our school, our staff, and our pupils are “as good as anyone, anywhere.”

At The Marvell College we are proud of the work we have done to create a supportive and positive environment for staff and pupils alike. Our values of AMBITION, RESPECT & COURAGE are founded in restorative practice and the building of relationships.  There will always be occasions when things go wrong; what we do next, and the way we do it, will make the most difference.

As a part of the Hull Collaborative Academy Trust (HCAT) we subscribe the shared belief that there should be equity of opportunity for all staff and pupils. There are 5 strategic pillars within the “HCAT Signature” that underpin the values for all members of our learning community.

• Restorative Behaviours. All staff in our school are trained in restorative practice and this sits at the heart of our pastoral care and the way we all want to be treated in school.
• Academic Readiness. Staff in our school value the bespoke, high-quality CPD that we put in place. Pupils are well-taught and well-prepared for the next stage of their life journey. Parents and carers are kept informed of their child’s academic progress and receive updates on the completion of extended learning and rewards.
• Character Building. Our school values provide a key foundation of the character traits we seek to develop in pupils and demonstrate as staff. Teaching and learning strategies seek to build up the independence and resilience pupils will need to be successful in public examination and life in general.
• Socially and emotionally secure.  Pupils at The Marvell College feel happy and safe due to the high-quality pastoral care on offer. They have a trusted adult they can go to if required. Staff well-being is a high priority for the school
• Wider experiences. Pupils are able to access a wide and varied range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and trips. Staff are encouraged to have an open mindset to self-improvement and to consider how they can shape their own future. We actively encourage collaboration with other schools and trusts so that we can share our ideas and bring those of others into our setting.

During our recent Ofsted inspection one inspector was kind enough to comment “This is a beautiful school in which to learn, and pupils are lucky to have it available to them” and “There is something special about the school.” We are fortunate to have frequent visitors to our school all of whom comment in a similar way. We have been proud to have hosted colleagues from all over the country including through The Difference leaders’ programme, and to have presented at numerous conferences about the work we do to serve our community.

Amongst the things we are most proud of and are happy to share are:

• Our SEND Champions Programme which has developed a distributed model for the leadership of SEND and enhanced our offer for pupils with SEND.
• Our approach to continuous improvement through high-quality, bespoke CPD and clear lines of accountability for leaders at all levels.
• A compassionate but firm approach to pastoral support for pupils through a model of building positive relationships through high support and high challenge.
• The support we have in place for our most vulnerable learners including our bespoke ARC provision and an internal alternative provision model.
• A clear and consistent approach to teaching and learning founded in our TMC Learning Cycle which seeks to develop pupils’ independence and resilience.
• Excellent support for staff completing Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Teachers many of whom remain working with us.

In our recent Ofsted report of July 2024, we were pleased to read:

“This is an inclusive and friendly school.”

“Leaders are ambitious for the pupils.”

“Leaders have created a highly ambitious curriculum.”

“Leaders have made a love of reading a priority.”

“Pupils say that they are happy and safe.  They have a trusted adult to go to if they feel worried or upset.  Pupils behave well in classrooms and on corridors.”

“Leaders have created a culture where positive relationships are important.  Pupils are courteous and respectful towards staff and to each other.”

“Leaders have a strong commitment to the local community and parents say that the school cares well for their children.”

“Leaders have worked relentlessly to improve attendance.”

“Leaders, including those responsible for governance, have a good understanding of the strengths and areas for development of the school.”  “They have a clear vision for school improvement.”

“There is a collective will to succeed and a determination that The Marvell College continues to improve.”

If you would like to visit The Marvell College, work with us, or for us, please do get in touch with us through admin@themarvellcollege.com or by telephoning on 01482 799132.  We look forward to welcoming you.

Mr D Matthews

Headteacher