King’s Norton Boys’ School, located in Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection on July 3 and 4, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in September 2017.
The school environment is welcoming, with pupils displaying warmth towards staff and visitors. Social interactions among students are positive, reflecting the school’s values of respect and cooperation. High expectations for behaviour are set by staff, and pupils generally meet these expectations, understanding the consequences of their actions. The culture of the school promotes hard work and focus during lessons, contributing to the academic success of the students.
Pupils benefit from a well-structured curriculum that builds knowledge over time, covering a broad range of subjects. Subject leaders ensure that the curriculum is ambitious, exceeding national standards. For instance, Year 9 students study complex texts like ‘Oedipus Rex’ to deepen their understanding of literary themes. While most pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs, achieve strong outcomes, there are instances of variability in the quality of work produced.
The school places a strong emphasis on vocabulary development, providing pupils with opportunities to learn and use new words in their learning. This focus enhances their collaborative skills, as seen in group activities. Teachers employ a consistent approach to assessing pupils’ understanding at various stages of learning, although there is room for improvement in real-time assessment practices.
Leaders have established effective processes for identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate strategies are implemented to support their learning. Regular assessments help identify pupils who struggle with reading, and targeted interventions are in place to assist them. However, the strategy for promoting reading across the curriculum is still developing, as is the initiative to encourage reading for pleasure among all pupils.
The school’s pastoral and safeguarding leaders work closely to support students, resulting in good behaviour and low exclusion rates compared to national figures. Attendance is generally good, although disadvantaged pupils face higher rates of internal suspensions and persistent absence, which affects their overall performance.
The personal development programme is comprehensive, covering essential topics such as equality and healthy relationships. Pupils gain confidence and resilience through outdoor education activities and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The careers programme is robust, providing students with insights into future opportunities and supporting them in making informed choices.
Collaboration with local schools is a priority for leaders, who aim to enhance educational outcomes for the wider community. The school is mindful of staff workload in decision-making processes.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. Staff receive regular training and are well-informed about procedures for reporting concerns. The school fosters a culture where pupils feel comfortable sharing their worries, supported by a comprehensive personal development programme that teaches them about safety in various contexts.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The assessment practices need to be consistently implemented across all subjects to ensure that misconceptions are addressed promptly. Additionally, the strategy for supporting disadvantaged pupils requires a more cohesive approach to enhance its effectiveness. Overall, King’s Norton Boys’ School is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students.
