Pupils 'flourish' as West Walsall E-Act Academy leaps out of special measures
A troubled school has come out of special measures and is ‘rapidly improving’ under a new headteacher, according to inspectors.
West Walsall E-ACT Academy, formerly Alumwell Business and Enterprise College, has been praised by Ofsted following a two-day inspection three weeks ago.
The school, which has 774 pupils on its roll, was placed into special measures in 2014 and had not improved at the time of its last inspection in March 2016.
However, following the appointment of new headteacher Qamar Riaz in April last year, the school is now rated as ‘good’.
In 2016 the school was rated inadequate across the board but is now good in every category except for outcomes for pupil, which ‘requires improvement’.
Ofsted inspector Rob Steed said: “The headteacher, staff and the trust have successfully addressed the school’s previous weaknesses.
“Improvements since March 2016 have been significant and this is a rapidly improving school.
"Leaders have created a culture in which pupils flourish socially and academically.
“Staff understand and share leaders’ vision to ‘provide an education that enables pupils to grow and develop into well-educated young citizens’.
"Staff are clear about, and share, the headteacher’s vision to provide a high-quality education that meets pupils’ needs and aspirations. Staff are optimistic about the future and morale is high.
"Staff, pupils, parents and the trust work together effectively so that the headteacher’s vision is being realised."
Mr Riaz said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the significant improvements we have made to the quality of education at West Walsall E-Act Academy in a relatively short period of time.
“I am proud of the pace and precision with which we have tackled many of the historical inadequacies I inherited when appointed head teacher in April 2016.
“These included poor behaviour, poor teaching and low expectations which have largely now been eradicated.”
"The transformation which has occurred since April 2016 is a testament to the efforts of both staff and students at the academy.
"I am hugely positive about the future and look forward to further unlocking the potential of all our students and improving their life chances."
