West Bromwich school battles out of special measures
A West Bromwich school has been praised by Ofsted - one year on since it was placed in special measures with fears over safeguarding.
The George Salter Academy in Davey Road has been ranked as good by the education watchdog and praised for its 'culture of high expectations' which has led to 'sustained improvement'.
Last May a damning inspection report labelled staff said to be ‘unaware’ of safeguarding pupils from ‘extremism or radicalisation’.
Leadership was labelled as ‘weak at all levels’, with the report demanding improvements ‘as a matter of urgency’.
Pank Patel, who was then the Regional Schools Commissioner for the West Midlands, was appointed as the new headteacher.
The latest Ofsted now commends the principal, senior leaders, governors and Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), the academy’s sponsor, for 'successfully driving improvements' at the school.
Alongside good leadership and management, inspectors also highlighted the quality of teaching and learning, the resulting strong outcomes for students and the 'exemplary culture of safeguarding', with students benefitting from 'high levels of care and support'.
Pank Patel, principal of George Salter Academy, said: “I am delighted that George Salter Academy has been rated Good across the board. Ofsted have picked out so many strong areas, and I am very proud of everyone connected with the academy for this achievement – our excellent staff, our hard-working students, and our supportive parents.
“The rating reflects a genuine team effort, as well as the emphasis we place on improving opportunities for all our students, whatever their background, and delivering the highest quality of education.”
Behaviour was judged to be good with a positive learning environment being championed at the academy, praising the teachers for their 'lively and enthusiastic' attitude.
The report also highlights the positive way in which the academy 'continues to benefit from support provided by Ormiston Academies Trust'.
Additionally, leaders benefit significantly from having 'well-established networks' with colleagues in other academies across the Trust.
Jason Howard, regional director of Ormiston Academies Trust, added: “George Salter Academy is an excellent school, with Ofsted holding it up as exemplary in a number of areas. We will continue to work hard with the academy as it goes from strength to strength, and progresses to a rating of outstanding.”
The school has 1,220 pupils ranging from ages 11 to 19.
