West Bromwich school boosted by good inspection report - three years after being branded inadequate

Staff at the Phoenix Collegiate school say they were delighted with the impressive turnaround after it was rated 'good' in its recent Ofsted inspection.

The school had been told it was inadequate back in 2012 but standards have risen in its two more recent inspections to drive up achievement for pupils.

Headteacher Gary Hill praised everyone involved with the school for the rapid progress made to achieve the improved rating.

The inspection team, lead by Helen Reeves, praised Mr Hill's 'inspirational leadership' in their report.

They said: "Inspirational leadership from the headteacher means that the school is characterised by a 'no limits' culture driven by the uncompromising belief that all students can and will be successful as they move onto the next stage of their life."

The school had received a 'requires improvement' rating in its previous Ofsted inspection in May 2013.

Visiting the school again in March this year, inspectors highlighted a determined and successful drive from the school's senior leaders and governors to raise standards and improve teaching.

The report said: "Highly productive relationships across the school between students and with their teachers, means that students behave well.

"This contributes significantly to a culture of high aspiration and success."

Inspectors added: "Students' ability to learn well in school is improved by the tenacious and caring way in which teachers and leaders support the very different and sometimes complex needs of students and their families.

Inspectors also praised the 'well managed' sixth form, where achievement has improved over the last three years and students make good progress.

To continue improving, Ofsted recommended the school continues developing students' confidence with numbers and ensures teachers plan activities that challenge and stretch students with different abilities in their groups.

Mr Hill said: "We are delighted to have been judged a 'good' school by Ofsted in our recent inspection and I am extremely proud of the fantastic progress our students are making.

Chris Ward, Sandwell Council's director of education, added: "The improvement seen at Phoenix in recent years has been excellent and is a true reflection of the hard work of the whole staff team and the students. Our children in Sandwell deserve the best possible education we can offer and Phoenix has certainly risen to that challenge."