'We are here for the children of Wolverhampton': Inside the secondary school where pupils have become teachers

Some former pupils have even gone on to become members of staff at Colton Hills Community School in Goldthorn Park, which headteacher Julie Hunter said has helped create a feeling of family.

Ms Hunter explained: “I think what I find interesting about this school is actually it is a proper community school because there are people who came here who are teachers here, there are people whose aunts and uncles came here, generation after generation are now coming through."

The Jeremy Road school was built in 1974 but Ms Hunter said it is "constantly" being refurbished inside to create modern facilities for its pupils.

In October of last year, it renovated one of its science labs due to science subjects proving a popular choice among its Sixth Form pupils - and others will be given a makeover in the next 12 to 18 months.

Further changes coming to the school include the creation of a new AstroTurf pitch for sports, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

Ms Hunter says the school participates in lots of sport events, with Commonwealth Games champion boxer, Delicious Orie, being one of its ex-pupils.

It also encourages school goers to showcase their talents in the on-site theatre and is set to hold a whole-school production of 'Matilda' in the coming months.

Ms Hunter, who joined the school in September of 2023, said she hopes to teach pupils who attend Colton Hills learn to be the "best version" of themselves.

The headteacher, who commutes to the school from her home in Gloucestershire, told the Express & Star: “I didn't come straight into teaching, I was in corporate and I always say school is about preparing you for adulthood because you have no idea where your life is going to take you, so you need adaptable skills."

In recent years, the school has built upon its curriculum offer to become "broad and inclusive".

It has also expanded the support offered to pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND). Among ways youngsters receive support is through the 'Zen' room, which offers a quiet space for them to visit and check in with the SEND team.

Upon a visit by Ofsted in November, 2023, where the school was found to be 'Good', inspectors noted it had "high expectations" of pupils and helped them, including those with SEND, to "do their best".

Ms Hunter said: "When we came out of Covid, we had this social-emotional avoidance of schools [among pupils], so we have really expanded that SEND offer.

"We will be launching 'The Hills' in June in our former care taker bungalow. That will mean students who traditionally will have gone to alternative provision will be able to stay in Colton Hills and we are hoping to be able to get a school dog."

The headteacher added that one of the things that makes Colton Hills a special place to be is the longevity of its staff, some of which have been in their roles for decades.

She explained: “You drive up to the school and you don't really see the magic that happens in the school - it is about relationships and that trusted ethos of 'we are here to help to get the best for you to help you thrive' and everyone is working together as a team. 

"I introduced a new service badge for example for staff because there are people who have worked here over 25 years, so they now wear those badges with pride. 

"I think that is quite special in today's educational setting - there aren't many people that stick around at a school. The staff at this school are really here for the children of Wolverhampton.”