Shenley Academy, located in Northfield, Birmingham, underwent an inspection on July 6 and 7, 2021, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as outstanding. This marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated inadequate. The school’s motto, Building futures, changing lives, reflects its commitment to the welfare, well-being, and academic success of every pupil. The leadership prioritizes mental health, ensuring that pupils thrive and achieve well.
The school emphasizes nurturing individual talents, providing opportunities for pupils to succeed in their chosen fields. It actively encourages pupils to contribute to school life and the local community, with many students participating in volunteer work and even presenting at national and international conferences. The behavior of pupils is commendable, characterized by mutual respect and understanding. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are equipped with the skills to resolve conflicts independently, with staff intervening only when necessary.
Leaders assert that the curriculum is central to the school’s mission. They have developed a comprehensive curriculum that integrates subject teaching with personal, social, health, and economic education, alongside a robust careers program. This approach has resulted in high academic standards and the development of social and cultural awareness among pupils. The curriculum also instills values of tolerance, respect, and empathy, preparing students for future endeavors.
Teaching methods are designed to ensure that pupils acquire deep knowledge in each subject, fostering connections between academic content and real-world issues. For instance, pupils have drawn parallels between historical events and contemporary social movements. Curriculum plans are meticulously structured, detailing the knowledge and skills to be acquired weekly. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly, ensuring that learning objectives are met across most subjects. However, a few departments with newly established teams are still working towards full implementation of the curriculum.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has seen significant improvement, with these pupils following the same curriculum as their peers. Teachers make necessary adaptations to support their learning, and external agencies are consulted to ensure appropriate support is provided. The school also utilizes alternative provisions for a small number of pupils, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
The culture within the school and the E-Act multi-academy trust promotes ambition, care, and openness, fostering a continuous improvement mindset among staff. Clear accountability structures keep trustees informed about educational quality, enabling prompt and effective actions when necessary. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong emphasis on pupil welfare. Staff are well-trained to identify and address pupils' needs, and the school collaborates with various agencies to provide substantial mental health support.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for further improvement. Leaders must ensure that the delivery of curriculum plans is consistent across all subjects, particularly in departments with new staff teams. This ongoing focus on identifying and addressing weaknesses in curriculum delivery will help maintain high achievement levels for all pupils. Overall, Shenley Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to educational excellence and the holistic development of its students.
