Stourbridge primary school with 'talented teachers but no money' set for academy status as it joins trust

Dudley Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Wayne Little, has approved Greenfield Primary School's conversion to an academy.

The decision from Councillor Little paved the way for the change which is expected to take effect November 1.

The timing of the move is significant for the Hill Street school from a financial perspective as its accounts for 2025/26 are expected to show a £102,000 deficit.

At a parents’ consultation meeting in April on the proposed change, chair of governors Emma Kilbride said: “DAT has a financial strategy and an infrastructure for growth.

“School needs to make the move to an academy whilst still in an attractive position.

“Greenfield is a good school with talented teachers but there is no more money.”

The school has 37 employees, 15 teachers and 22 non-teaching staff, who will all transfer to the trust.

While academy schools move out of local authority control, the council aims to maintain close relationships with them.

Notes outlining the decision to approve Greenfield’s conversion to an academy said: “Dudley Council values its strong partnerships with both schools and academies.

“Following conversion, efforts will continue to maintain positive relationships with the school and its associated trust.

“This collaborative approach supports alignment with the council’s 2025–26 priorities, particularly in the areas of governance, partnerships, and community engagement.”

Following an Ofsted inspection in March 2024, Greenfield was rated 'good'.

The report said: “Greenfield Primary School is a happy, nurturing school where pupils achieve well.

“The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and attainment. Everybody in the school enjoys living up to the school’s motto that ‘everyone can grow in a Greenfield'.

“Pupils work hard and behave well. They follow the ‘golden rule’ to ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’.”