Wolverhampton secondary school praised for turnaround
A city school that was previously rated 'inadequate' under its old guise has been praised for 'dramatic improvements' by Ofsted inspectors.
St Matthias School in Deansfield, which was formerly Deansfield Community School until September last year, was placed into special measures after its inspection two years ago.
But it has made rapid progress to obtain a 'good' rating, leading to much improved outcomes for the school's 475 pupils.
The report said that headteacher Dean Coombes had 'galvanised leaders to ensure teaching improved rapidly' with 'a real transformation in the effectiveness of leadership at all levels'.
It also said that teaching is 'significantly improving' with students performing particularly well in English.
Mr Coombes said: "This is a very pleasing report. Students and Staff at St Matthias are hardworking and talented. They deserve to be in a good school and I'm pleased that Ofsted has recognised their achievements."
Julien Kramer, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Education, said: "The turnaround at St Matthias has been dramatic and sustained – and that is testament to the hard work of Dean Coombes and his staff, the pupils, parents and governors.
"I'm particularly pleased at the improved outcomes pupils are now achieving. The proportion of most-able pupils making good progress compares very positively with national averages, and St Matthias is now in the top 10 nationally for the proportion of lower ability pupils who gain five or more GCSEs at grades C and above.
"This is fantastic news for everyone connected with St Matthias, and for the city as a whole. We now have more good and outstanding rated schools than ever before, and are seeing education standards rising across the board – and our School Standards Team will continue to offer support and challenge to schools to help them improve further."
