Good rating for Walsall academy during first ever inspection

Shire Oak Academy has some aspects that are outstanding, the inspectors also found.

The inspectors visited the academy in November but the report has only just been published.

It is the first Ofsted inspection carried out at the academy in Walsall Wood since it made the change from a school in 2011.

Shire Oak principal, Gary Crowther, said: "We are delighted with the contents of this report. It provides recognition for the great work that takes place in our academy every day.

"Our staff and our students deserve these comments and deserve to be praised in this way.

"The inspectors were very impressed with so much that they encountered during their two days with us."

Ofsted visited the academy in Lichfield Road on November 20 and 21 and the team of five inspectors sat in on 47 lessons during their visit, as well as taking opinions from staff, students and parents to inform their judgement.

The report is complimentary of the academy with an outstanding judgement received for the behaviour of pupils.

It also highlights that students are 'proud' to attend the academy and their attitudes to learning are 'excellent'.

Kevin Hubery, chairman of the academy's governing body, added: "I am very pleased with the report.

"I particularly welcome the acknowledgement the inspectors give to the excellent behaviour of the students and the care and support they receive, which really does deserve the outstanding assessment it has achieved."

It is another piece of good news for the academy. In the summer it achieved record breaking results in GCSE exams.

A total of 69 per cent of the students achieved five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths.

Academies are publicly funded independent schools that are not managed by a local authority. They can set pay and conditions for their staff and also change the length of their terms. Academies don't have to follow the national curriculum.