Staffordshire University Academy out of special measures after Ofsted inspection
A school has been taken out of special measures almost three years after pupils were seen throwing objects in class and using homophobic slurs.
Staffordshire University Academy, in Marston Road, Hednesford, was rated inadequate in every category bar one by Ofsted back in April 2017.
But now the school has been taken out of special measures and rated requires improvement in four areas and good in one.
In the most recent report inspectors say: "The quality of education at Staffordshire University Academy has improved but is not yet good enough.
"There remains too much variation in the delivery of the curriculum in different subjects, such as mathematics, science and modern foreign languages (MFL).
"This has led to weak outcomes for pupils. In the past, leaders and the trust have taken too long to address weaknesses.
"Recently, improvement work has quickened, and issues have been tackled effectively.
"The curriculum design and pupils’ behaviour and attendance have improved."
The school was inspected on November 26 and 27, 2019 under the new Ofsted inspection framework.
At the last inspection Ofsted, which gives schools up and down the country a rating of either outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate, had particularly scathing criticism for leadership at the school.
But now inspectors said leadership is "stable".
Principal Rowena Hillier said: "The stigma of being in special measures for all of our staff, students and our local community, has been a tough challenge.
"However, we have remained resolute in our commitment to improve the life chances of our students and academy standard continue to improve.
"The inspection was a great opportunity for us all to show how far we have come.
"Feedback from the inspection team about our curriculum intent and implementation was very positive and with this affirmation we know we are on the right path to continue to improve to secure a good judgement in our next inspection."
