West Walsall E-Act Academy: Teaching restriction lifted from failing school

West Walsall E-Act Academy, which is run by the same academy trust as 'the worst school in Britain' Willenhall E-Act Academy, was placed into special measures in March 2016 after a string of failings were found.

Inspectors found teaching at the 600-pupil school was 'inadequate' and pupils' behaviour was also unacceptable.

Now however the education watchdog has said the leadership at the school is taking 'effective action' to address the various problems and has allowed the academy to appoint a new teacher to the humanities department.

A letter by inspector Peter Humphries to headteacher Qamar Riaz said: “Leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.

“Having considered all the evidence, I am of the opinion that the school may appoint one newly qualified teacher to the humanities department.”

The letter said the school was making improvements in all the main areas, including pupils’ behaviour and the quality of teaching.

It continued: “The vast majority of staff share your vision and understand what they need to do to improve pupils’ outcomes. Staff who spoke to inspectors said that they appreciate the training and support they receive. Staff morale is sound. As a result, you have greatly reduced staff turnover.

“Staff value the training, guidance and support they receive from senior and middle leaders and fellow teachers. Staff who spoke to inspectors said that this coaching helps them to improve their teaching skills and pupils’ knowledge and understanding.

“The number of fixed-term exclusions and incidents of poor behaviour have reduced significantly. You have not permanently excluded any pupils this academic year. During this inspection, the large majority of pupils engaged positively in their learning, particularly in key stage 3. The work in pupils’ books shows that the majority of pupils take their work seriously, present it neatly and accurately and respond well to teachers’ feedback.

“The work in Year 10 pupils’ books shows that their progress is variable across and within subjects. The improvements in the quality of teaching mean that pupils are making better progress more recently.”

Mr Riaz said he was ‘pleased’ Ofsted recognised the school’s improvement.

He said: “We are firmly on a journey to turnaround this Academy so it offers a good standard of education and provision for all students. I am pleased Ofsted has once again supported our judgements about where the Academy is on its school improvement journey. Again, I am not complacent and will continue to ensure we eradicate any remaining inconsistencies and variability.”