Walsall school must improve despite good ratings
Government inspectors have ordered a Walsall school to improve – despite praising it in almost all of the key educational areas assessed.
Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, in Broad Way, Pelsall, was given Ofsted’s second lowest ‘requires improvement’ rating following a visit last month.
Inspectors said the main reason for this was that outcomes for pupils needed improving because children hadn’t made as much progress as they should have done.
But in the same report Ormiston’s quality of teaching, effectiveness of leadership, personal development and behaviour of pupils and its 16-19 study programmes were all rated as ‘good’.
Bosses at the academy said they were pleased that their strengths had been identified by the report and vowed to make the improvements necessary to address Ofsted’s concerns.
In full:
The report said: “Outcomes for pupils require improvement because pupils have not made as much progress as they should have done in the past.
“Although progress for current pupils is improving and is now stronger, attainment and progress need to improve further to be at least in line with national averages.
“Although attendance is improving, a small number of pupils continue to be absent too often.
“Gaps in pupils’ knowledge and weak basic literacy skills hamper pupils’ access to the curriculum and achievement. Pupils do not have enough opportunities to write at length.”
But it added: “The principal, together with the leadership team, governors and the Ormiston Academies Trust, have established an ambitious culture and curriculum, underpinned by a commitment to equality, inclusion and raising aspirations.
Focus
“Teaching, learning and assessment have improved as a result of leaders’ strategic focus on improving teaching. As a result, progress for current pupils is improving.
“Pupils behave well in lessons and at breaks and lunchtime. They show respect and concern for each other. They say bullying is rare.
“Pupils are safe in school. Staff are well trained in safeguarding procedures. They are vigilant and apply procedures effectively in practice, taking prompt action when they have concerns.”
Stuart Turnbull, Principal at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, said: “We are pleased that the Academy has been rated Good in four key categories, and whilst Ofsted has recognised that student outcomes require improvement, we are already working incredibly hard to build further on the improvements we have already made in this area.
“Alongside the support of staff, students, parents, Governors, the Trust and the wider community, we will be working tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of our provision is the very best it can be.
“I am confident that we are well-placed to achieve this, given the strength of the school’s leadership and management, and teaching and learning, as praised by Ofsted”.
