Walsall academy ‘leads the way’ with triple ‘Exceptional’ ratings in groundbreaking new Ofsted inspections

Earlier this year, Ofsted announced it was moving away from single-word judgements to a new ‘School Report Card’ system. The new framework offers a nuanced and demanding assessment where the ‘Expected Standard’ represents a high benchmark of quality.

Goldsmith volunteered to be part of the initial phase of the new inspections before Christmas and this week received its inspection report, which confirms the school is not just meeting expectations but exceeding them in all areas.

The School Report Card awarded Goldsmith Primary Academy the highest possible grade of Exceptional in three key areas:

• Inclusion

• Leadership and Governance

• Personal Development and Wellbeing

In addition, the school achieved the Strong Standard - a grade indicating practice well above the expected benchmark - in all other areas: Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, and Early Years.

Under the new framework, Safeguarding is judged separately on a strict binary scale, either ‘Met’ or ‘Not Met’, to provide parents with immediate and absolute clarity on safety. The report confirms that Safeguarding Standards are Met, offering reassurance that the school’s systems to keep children safe are robust, effective and deeply embedded in the school culture.

Inspectors praised the school as an “oasis of calm and kindness” where pupils are “extremely proud of their school.” The report highlighted that:

• “Leaders have an unwavering determination to give every pupil the best possible start in life.”

• “The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development is of the highest quality.”

• “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary… they are kind, empathetic and polite.”

Max Wakeman, Headteacher at Goldsmith Primary Academy, said: “We put ourselves forward for this voluntary inspection because we are incredibly proud of our school community and confident in the excellent education we provide every day. To be one of only two primary schools in the country to receive three ‘Exceptional’ grades to date is a humbling and momentous achievement.

“This report captures the heart of Goldsmith. It recognises that we don’t just teach children; we nurture them, we include them, and we empower them to become the very best versions of themselves. I want to thank our amazing staff, our supportive parents and above all, our wonderful pupils who shine so brightly.”

Leanne Bridgwood, Director of Primary and SEND Lead at Windsor Academy Trust, commented: “Goldsmith Primary Academy is a shining example of what is possible when high expectations are matched with deep care. Achieving ‘Exceptional’ for Inclusion and Personal Development speaks volumes about the culture the team has built. It is a school where every child, regardless of starting point, is championed to succeed. We are thrilled that the pilot inspection has validated the world-class work happening in these classrooms every day.”

Dawn Haywood, CEO of Windsor Academy Trust, added: “This is a proud moment not just for Goldsmith Primary Academy, but for the entire Windsor Academy Trust family. To volunteer for such a rigorous new framework and achieve these results is a testament to the expertise and ‘pride in excellence’ that defines our approach.

“Achieving ‘Exceptional’ in Inclusion, Leadership, and Personal Development and Wellbeing demonstrates that our strategy to unlock both academic and personal potential is working. We are delivering education for the greater public good, and Goldsmith is leading the way nationally.”

Last week, Goldsmith Primary Academy also received a letter from the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, to recognise the school’s strong attainment outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

Read the full report here: https://isu.pub/JkLPBvl