Failing Tipton academy 'now improving'

Ofsted said teaching and the performance of some pupils had improved at the Ace Academy but stressed there was still a lot of work to be done.

The site has been in special measures for more than a year after concerns about bullying and the safety of youngsters were previously flagged up. The school descended into crisis after converting to an academy two years ago but now, at long last, it appears better times could be on the horizon.

Although there remains issues at the Alexandra Road school, Ofsted said leaders were 'taking effective action' towards helping it leave special measures following a fourth monitoring inspection.

The body also said the school can take on newly qualified teachers again after they were temporarily blocked from doing so.

Leaders were praised for their efforts in trying to turnaround the school's fortunes and were said to be 'working tirelessly together as a team' to bring about improvements.

New systems have been introduced to analyse which pupils are in need of the most support while the academy is also benefitting from a partnership with two outstanding schools in the area.

The performance of pupils is also beginning to show signs of improvement.

The report said: "Pupils are making much better progress in English than mathematics where only about a third of Year 11 are indicated to be making the progress they should.

"However, outcomes are much better for pupils who attend regularly in all year groups, with the progress for these pupils being similar to national averages in English and mathematics."

However, the regulator said there was still plenty to improve on. Its report highlighted pupils being late, leading to some classes being delayed, and then not being challenged by teachers when they did finally arrive.

Pupils were also heard swearing at each other and using inappropriate language 'of a sexual nature'.

Poor behaviour is still impacting on some lessons while attendance remains well below the national average, the report said.

However, incentives such as pizza parties and tickets to football matches have been introduced as rewards for those who improve their attendance.