Willenhall E-ACT Academy: How was school where Ofsted inspectors were pelted with food allowed to get into this state?

A teaching union boss has hit out at the academy trust which runs an inadequate school in Willenhall.

Russ Bragger, general secretary of Walsall’s National Union of Teachers has blasted the E-ACT Academy Trust, which runs Willenhall E-ACT Academy.

The school received a damning Ofsted report last week which lambasted, teachers, governors and students alike. It was ranked inadequate in all areas by the schools watchdog.

See also: Willenhall E-ACT Academy pupils pelt Ofsted inspectors with food as school put in special measures

Call for U-turn on struggling academies after Willenhall school's damning inspection

Mr Bragger laid the blame for the appalling Ofsted result squarely at the feet of the Academy Trust – and said he has been raising concerns with its leaders and directors for over a year.

He said told the Express & Star: “How was the school allowed to get into the state that the Ofsted inspectors found? E-ACT have been in control of this school for many years.

“In recent years they have appointed and then got rid of various leaders (headteachers and principals) who brought in hurried and ill thought-out changes which were then changed by the next leader.

“This led to pupils and staff not fully understanding what they were expected to do. E-ACT have created the present situation.

“For over a year I have been representing concerns of the teachers who are NUT members to the various leaders and E-ACT directors.

“The teachers have consistently expressed their concern for the safety of pupils and staff and demanded more support and capacity in the behaviour and pastoral systems to allow them to do their job of teaching children. It is the lack of this support that has led to the very high staff turnover.

“E-ACT should not be ‘disappointed’ at Ofsted’s decision, they should be sorry for what they have done to so many children’s education and for the stress and distress caused to so many dedicated staff.”

He said the NUT would work with the new head to improve the school.

An E-ACT spokesman said: “We fully recognise that there have been challenges at E-ACT, but we are confident that Willenhall Academy will continue to make rapid progress.

"The Ofsted report itself recognises that E-ACT has already begun to address the aspects of greatest concern.

"The trust will continue to strengthen leadership, and ensure that senior staff have greater visible presence around the academy so that students are absolutely clear on expectations about their behaviour.

"By working closely with academy staff we will ensure that further improvements in the quality of teaching and learning are secured.

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