Wolverhampton school gets 'Good' Ofsted for the first time after 'significant period of change'
A Wolverhampton secondary school has been graded 'Good' by Ofsted for the first time in its history.
The education watchdog visited Wednesfield Academy on Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, in February and found it had been on a "significant period of change and development" following its last inspection in 2022 when it was told to improve.
In its report published on Monday (March 24), Ofsted ranked the school 'Good' in each of the five inspection areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and Sixth Form provision.
Inspectors described the school - which joined Matrix Academy Trust in 2023 - as "highly inclusive", adding "everyone is valued".
Relationships between pupils and staff were described as "warm and respectful" and school goers were said to feel "safe" attending the school.
Inspectors noted a "purposeful atmosphere" around the school and praised pupils' focus on their learning.
The report added: "The school has rapidly raised expectations around learning and behaviour and has developed a highly ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
"As a result, pupils achieve well and are well prepared for the next stage of their lives."
Inspectors however noted the curriculum had not yet led to "consistently improving outcomes" in all subjects by the end of Key Stage 4.
Teachers were found to build key subject knowledge "very well" over time where learning among pupils were ambitious.
However, Ofsted noted that some teachers "do not always" develop pupils' knowledge "as fully as they might".
The wellbeing of youngsters was described as being "at the forefront of the leader's vision", including promoting positive mental health.
Inspections also found safeguarding arrangements to be effective at the school.
Headteacher Joe Phillips took on the role shortly after the school became part of Matrix Academy Trust, which runs other Black Country schools including Smestow Academy in Wolverhampton and Barr Beacon School in Walsall.
Mr Phillips said: "I am immensely proud to be Headteacher at Wednesfield Academy and this Ofsted report illustrates the rapid improvement the school has made in just over two years.
"We have so many committed staff and the pupils, as they always are, were a credit to themselves and the academy over the two days when Ofsted visited.
"We want to thank our parents and carers for their ongoing support and we now look forward to what the future brings as we continue to strive towards excellence."
Speaking to the Express & Star last month, Mr Phillips described Wednesfield Academy as being on an "upwards trajectory".
He said attendance figures had risen by almost six per cent in the past two years and cited a number of changes at the school, including no longer employing supply teachers in the event of staff absence to improve the school's quality of education.
Deputy headteacher Rachel Beazley, who has worked at the school for more than 25 years, said: “It’s like a new school. [The Ofsted result] is very emotional for those of us who have been here for some time like I have. I am so happy the school is finally ‘Good’.”
Matrix Academy Trust CEO, Lynsey Draycott, added: “Everyone has put their heart and soul into Wednesfield Academy to make it a school the community can be proud of.
"Not many schools go from 'Requires Improvement' to 'Good' in just over two years. We are so happy that Ofsted recognised everyone’s hard work and the school will only continue to improve.”
