Headteachers being drafted in to help improve standards at academy

They say improvements are already being made and that students and parents will see an even greater difference in the coming months.

Ofsted inspectors said the Grace Academy in Darlaston required improvement in July - but a subsequent inspection found that progress was being made. The academy is working with other schools that have been rated outstanding, particularly in English and maths. And bosses have set up the 'academy improvement monitoring board' to monitor the work being done.

Principal David Shaw said: "This assistance will help the academy to drive forward progress, build on areas of growth, and enable each student to achieve high academic standards. Grace Academy is about educating the whole person and there are many excellent examples, recognised by external visitors, taking place, such as values days, business workshops, and community projects. However, one of our top priorities this year is to ensure that our academic results adequately reflect the effort and commitment of staff and students."

New assistant principals have been appointed with responsibility for English and maths and improvements are already being seen, the school says. Mr Shaw is also working closely with Douglas Selkirk, a national leader of education and executive principal of Heath Park Business and Enterprise College, who is offering guidance to help the academy make rapid progress. He will be assisted by deputy principal Jayne Gray.

Mr Shaw added: "We set individual targets for each child to make sure every student makes significant progress. This will involve working on a quality assurance system in all three Academies, with close scrutiny on individual data and the quality of teaching."

A report carried in Wednesday's paper said that Grace Academy is in special measures. That is not the case and we apologise for any confusion caused.