Dudley school 'requires improvement' following Ofsted inspection

Holly Hall Academy in Dudley was told it 'requires improvement' in all four key areas of leadership and management, pupil behaviour and safety, quality of teaching and achievement after an inspection on May 6 and 7.

The Ofsted report said that students had not made good progress 'for some time' at the Scotts Green Close academy, while attainment was said to be 'not yet good', despite recent improvements.

Teaching was rated as 'improving, but not yet good', with the quality of teaching in science lessons branded as 'weak' and teachers' expectations 'too low'.

In her report, lead inspector Sherry Gladwin wrote that overall: "Teachers do not check that students follow advice and make corrections to their work as advised to help improve their learning.

"Students have limited opportunities to practice their literacy skills in a range of subjects. Some teachers do not mark students' written work with the rigour and consistency required."

The behaviour of a minority of students was said to 'sometimes disrupt learning', while a small number of students were said to be either 'persistently absent from the academy or arrive late'.

Senior leaders and heads of departments had not fully evaluated the effect of actions taken to raise achievement, according to the report.

This meant they did not always know which of their strategies had made the most difference.

Inspectors noted that 'the large majority' of students were polite and friendly. Behaviour in lessons was also praised, as was the academy's student mentoring service.

"The curriculum provides a balance of work related and academic courses that appeal to students' interests and aptitudes," added the lead inspector.

She concluded that although Holly Hall had made 'good progress' to eradicate the weaknesses identified in its last inspection in 2014, it was not yet a 'good' school.

Acting principal Denise Malone said the report had matched the academy's own evaluation.

"Importantly, the inspectors recognised that we are aware of the areas that need improvement," she added. "Senior staff, together with governors are already working on the action plan to address the areas identified by Ofsted for improvement.

"Continuing to improve the quality of teaching remains our top priority. We will be focussing on raising achievement across the Academy so that all students, whatever their ability, make good progress with their learning."

The academy caters for 723 pupils.

It has a well-above average proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language and above average numbers of pupils who are disabled or have special educational needs.