The education watchdog Ofsted has released a fresh batch of inspection reports for schools across the West Midlands, revealing a mixed picture of performance under a newly revamped rating system.
New Rating System Overhaul
Ofsted has scrapped its previous one-word overall grades such as 'outstanding' and 'good'. Schools are now assessed across multiple areas, with ratings including 'exceptional', 'strong standard', 'expected standard', 'needs attention', and 'urgent improvement'. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive and fairer reflection of school performance.
Top Performers
E-ACT North Birmingham Academy in Erdington became the first secondary school in the West Midlands to achieve a rare 'exceptional' rating in one area. It also received 'strong standard' in four areas and 'expected standard' in two areas.
Our Lady and St Kenelm RC School in Halesowen performed well, with 'strong standard' in six areas and 'expected standard' in one area. St Matthew's CoE Primary in Smethwick achieved 'strong standard' in four areas and 'expected standard' in three areas.
Struggling Schools
Moseley School faced significant challenges, receiving 'urgent improvement' in two areas and 'needs attention' in another four, with only one area rated 'expected standard'. Other schools requiring improvement include St Patrick's Catholic Primary in Walsall and Castle Bromwich Infants, both with 'needs attention' in two areas, and City Academy in Birmingham with 'needs attention' in two areas.
Full List of Latest Ofsted Ratings
- E-ACT North Birmingham Academy, Erdington: Exceptional in one area, strong standard in four areas, expected standard in two areas
- Our Lady and St Kenelm RC School, Halesowen: Strong standard in six areas, expected standard in one area
- St Matthew's CoE Primary, Smethwick: Strong standard in four areas, expected standard in three areas
- Highfields School, Penn, Wolverhampton: Strong standard in three areas, expected standard in four areas
- Leigh Primary, Washwood Heath: Strong standard in three areas, expected standard in four areas
- St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary, Moseley: Strong standard in three areas, expected standard in four areas
- Joseph Leckie Academy, Walsall: Strong standard in two areas, expected standard in five areas
- Wilkinson Primary, Bilston: Strong standard in one area, expected standard in six areas
- Lordswood Boys' School, Harborne: Expected standard in six areas
- The Meadows School, Oldbury: Expected standard in seven areas
- St Patrick's Catholic Primary, Walsall: Expected standard in five areas, needs attention in two areas
- Castle Bromwich Infants: Expected standard in five areas, needs attention in two areas
- City Academy, Birmingham: Expected standard in three areas, needs attention in two areas
- Moseley School: Expected standard in one area, needs attention in four areas, urgent improvement in two areas
The new system is designed to give parents and stakeholders a clearer understanding of where schools excel and where they need to improve, rather than a single overall grade.
