Once failing Sedgley school reverses fortunes

Two years ago inspectors rated High Arcal as inadequate, placing it into special measures.

However, a new report by the schools watchdog has seen the school – run by headteacher Jo Manson – ranked as good across the board.

The academy was in special measures for more than a year after being handed the inadequate rating in December 2013.

Mrs Manson said she was 'delighted' with the latest result.

The four-strong team of inspectors concluded in their report: "The principal and senior leaders have effectively communicated a culture of high expectations and the academy places great emphasis on ensuring that students' well being is at the core of what they do on a daily basis."

Mrs Manson said: "I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised our inclusive ethos summed up by a student who told the inspectors, 'it's OK to be different here' and provided several very salient examples to support their views."

During their rigorous inspection the Ofsted team observed 40 lessons across all areas of the school, spoke to students, staff and governors.

In their detailed report they praised the quality of teaching, the achievement of students and the curriculum that caters for the needs of all.

The report highlighted that 'rates of progress for disabled students or students with special educational needs have continued to rise rapidly'.

The students were described as polite and courteous to staff and visitors, behaving 'consistently well in and around the academy at all times of the day and they are clearly proud of their school'.

Inspectors wrote in the report: "In many lessons, inspectors noted that teachers took every opportunity to develop pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding.

"For instance, in a physical education lesson, pupils were expected to collaborate and to support each other in achieving the targets set, while in a religious education lesson they were considering the similarities and differences in beliefs of different cultures and religions.

"Pupils speak of this as part of everyday life in the academy and say that they are expected to demonstrate respect and tolerance at all times." During the inspection parents and students spoke of a wide range of opportunities offered at the school.