Ofsted finds not enough pupils at new Sandwell academy making good progress
An academy in Sandwell has been rated as 'requires improvement' in its first inspection since it converted from a school two years ago.
But the behaviour of pupils and leadership and management of Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury were judged as 'good'.
Inspectors for Ofsted said that not enough students have made consistently good progress since the academy opened. However, they said this was improving.
There was also concerns raised about teaching with inspectors saying it was 'not consistently inspiring and interesting'.
But the work of principal Vince Green who was appointed in September to make improvements was recognised by the inspectors.
They said he had 'galvanised staff's
enthusiasm' since joining and that staff and students were 'overwhelming positive about the principal's vision for further improvement'.
Mr Green said: "We are really pleased that the changes already made within our academy were acknowledged by the Ofsted team.
"The areas they identified for further improvement are in line with our thinking and future plans.
"Moving forward we will continue to improve teaching, as well as further advancing key areas such as our sixth form and the 'good' behaviour and strong leadership the inspectors saw in our pupils creates an excellent platform for us to build upon."
The report, published following the two-day inspection earlier this month, praised the pupils 'good attitudes to
learning in lessons' and the 'good level of mutual respect for each other and adults'.
Ian Cleland, Chief Executive of Academy Transformation Trust, which is the academy's sponsor said: "We are delighted to see that Ofsted recognises the increased pace of improvement at the academy, galvanised by the leadership of the new principal.
"All of us involved in the Bristnall Hall Academy community are committed to the shared vision of ensuring a first class education for all our pupils."
Inspectors said the academy had been 'well -supported' by The Trust, who introduced regular review meetings to challenge and help school leaders.
Bosses said they had already benefited from this and it helped to ensure Year 11 pupils matched the most recent national averages for expected progress in English and almost matched in mathematics in the summer.
The school has 956 students aged between 11 and 18.
It was previouslyBristnall Hall Technology College before becoming an academy in December 2012.