Double rewards for 'outstanding' special school in Tipton for inclusion and mental health support
A school in Sandwell, renowned for its support of pupils with medical or mental health needs, has received top honours from Ofsted.
Albright School, in Tipton, was described as an “extraordinary place” by Ofsted when it achieved an "outstanding" rating in all areas.
Parents have hailed the education centre as “transformational” for their children’s educational journeys.
But that wasn't the school's only achievement as two weeks after the inspection in October last year, Albright School was also awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark and recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion.
This accolade adds to the school’s impressive list of recent awards, including the Carnegie Mental Health Gold Award received in 2024.
Executive Head Teacher, Kate Hazelwood, said: “I am incredibly proud that the hard work and tireless commitment of the whole Albright Team has been recognised. It is a privilege to lead such a unique and special school.”
Councillor Jalal Uddin, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, congratulated the school on its success: “I want to congratulate everyone at Albright for this wonderful achievement.
"I would also like to thank our local authority school improvement officers who work alongside maintained schools and support them to reach our aim of every Sandwell child attending a good or outstanding school.”
The school, which has undergone significant expansion, now caters for pupils from Reception to Post-16 across two sites in Tipton and West Bromwich, serving the entire Sandwell borough.
Albright has also extended its provision to the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, having recently moved its services from Sandwell Hospital.
Both Hazelwood and Rachel Kelly, Head Teacher of Albright, are excited about the future, particularly as the school continues to grow to meet the increasing demand for specialised education in the region.
With its exceptional Ofsted rating and multiple awards for inclusion and mental health support, Albright School is firmly positioned as a leader in special education, providing a nurturing and transformative environment for students facing significant challenges.
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