The Wordsley School, located in Stourbridge, West Midlands, has undergone an ungraded inspection on 20 and 21 February 2024. The overall judgement remains good, but evidence suggests that a graded inspection might yield a lower rating. The school is known for its inclusive environment and high expectations for student achievement. Staff are dedicated to providing quality education and are committed to the academic and personal development of pupils. They do not use the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse for lower standards, and leaders have identified priorities for continuous improvement, although some plans have yet to show significant impact.
Most pupils are friendly and welcoming, but a notable minority do not meet the school's behaviour expectations, leading to disruptions in lessons. Staff have reported concerns regarding behaviour, and some areas of the school site exhibit unacceptable conduct. Leaders are actively addressing these issues. Pupils have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and various sports and arts events. The school provides valuable career guidance through a well-structured curriculum, helping pupils understand their future pathways.
The curriculum at Wordsley School is ambitious and coherent, focusing on essential knowledge and offering a broad range of academic experiences. Reading is prioritized, with initiatives like the Friday big read encouraging pupils to engage with literature. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities follow the same curriculum as their peers, ensuring inclusivity. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, but assessment practices need improvement. There are instances where teachers do not accurately assess pupils' starting points or identify gaps in their knowledge, which can hinder progress. Some pupils have missing work or errors that are not addressed, leading to gaps in understanding.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behaviour, with most students displaying positive attitudes. However, a significant minority disrupt learning and do not exhibit appropriate behaviour on the school site. Leaders are implementing a new behaviour policy to clarify expectations, but challenges remain. Attendance is another area of concern, with too many pupils being persistently absent, which affects their education. The school is working to improve attendance strategies to ensure pupils are present consistently.
Personal development is a priority, with pupils learning about important topics such as online safety, consent, and healthy relationships. The school offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, including trips to museums and places of worship. High-quality careers advice is provided, helping pupils make informed decisions about their futures. Staff generally enjoy working at the school and feel supported by leadership, although they acknowledge the need for improvements in behaviour management.
The safeguarding arrangements at Wordsley School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils. However, the school must address the significant minority of pupils displaying unwanted behaviours and improve attendance rates. Additionally, a clear assessment and feedback policy needs to be established to ensure that teachers systematically check pupils' understanding and address gaps in learning. Overall, while the school demonstrates strengths in various areas, there are critical aspects that require attention to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
