Former failing Wolverhampton school makes astonishing turnaround

Woden Primary School in Springfield Road was slammed by Ofsted following an inspection in March 2012.

The school, which caters for more than 400 pupils saw pupil achievement, behaviour and teaching standards all given the bottom rung rating of '4'.

But last week the school was told it had improved to a rating of outstanding following it's most recent inspection.

In the damning 2012 report inspectors said the school was failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education, that some of the teaching was not good enough and highlighted poor behaviour from pupils and low attendances as major areas for concern.

However in the latest report published on Monday, Ofsted praised the school - which became an academy following it inadequate rating.

Inspectors congratulated the school on the positive demeanour of the pupils and their thirst for learning.

The report also praised the work of the staff and governors in raising standards.

It said: "All leaders, governors and trustees have high expectations for the quality of teaching and for pupils' achievement. They have taken all necessary actions and allocated the resources required to ensure that all pupils achieve these expectations."

Headteacher Helen Vernon said: "The success has been down to the hard work and dedication of all pupils, staff, governors and parents.

"Leaders have secured very substantial improvements in the quality of teaching and pupils' achievement since the school became an academy.

"All leaders, governors and trustees have high expectations for the quality of teaching and for pupils' achievements. We have provided effective training and support to secure a strong commitment from all staff to improve the school's performance."

Mrs Vernon was appointed headteacher of the school in 2012 shortly before the school was downgraded to inadequate.

Doug Selkirk, chief executive of Central Learning Partnership Trust, said: "The amazing turnaround in the fortunes of the school is testimony to the hard work and application of everyone involved. Woden is a school of which its community can be rightly proud.

"The headteacher, Helen Vernon, and her staff fully understand the role they play in determining the life chances of the youngsters who attend the school and everyone involved with the school is determined to provide the very best educational experience for all pupils.

"When you enter Woden there is a tangible air of positivity that makes you proud to be involved in education and also makes you proud of our city and the richness of its diversity.

"Helen and her staff, with the support from Kevin Grayson and Elston Hall staff, have achieved something very special, for which they should all be lauded."