Staffordshire University Academy, located in Hednesford, Cannock, has recently undergone an inspection on October 10 and 11, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The principal, Rowena Hillier, leads the school, which is part of the Staffordshire University Academies Trust, overseen by CEO James Capper and a board of trustees chaired by Mary Walker.
Pupils at Staffordshire University Academy express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting a strong sense of community and togetherness. They engage in various charitable activities, such as baking and selling cakes, and participate in local arts projects. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including breakfast club, basketball, board games, and netball, which are well-attended, particularly by students with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school maintains high expectations for pupil behaviour, and students generally meet these expectations, demonstrating respect and good manners. When behavioural issues arise, the school addresses them effectively, providing appropriate support and workshops focused on self-esteem and emotional management.
Students report feeling happy and safe at school, knowing where to seek help when needed. The pastoral hub is a resource for students feeling overwhelmed or anxious, offering guidance for mental health issues. This support fosters increasing independence among pupils. The school has faced challenges, including staffing changes and low attendance rates, but has made significant strides in improving the curriculum, behaviour, and attendance. Staff engagement is high, and there is a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The school is actively working to engage with parents, particularly those who are harder to reach.
Despite the positive changes, the published outcomes do not fully reflect the quality of education currently being provided. The curriculum has been thoughtfully revised to ensure that key concepts are revisited frequently, allowing pupils to build on their previous learning. However, the number of pupils studying a language is low, and the school is implementing strategies to increase participation in the English Baccalaureate. Pupils are now receiving a better quality of education, with positive attitudes towards learning evident in their focus and willingness to participate in discussions.
Teachers regularly check pupils' understanding, although there are instances where some students are moved on to new material without ensuring full comprehension. Reading is prioritized, with support provided for struggling readers, leading to increased confidence and fluency. The school’s character curriculum is well-structured, addressing relevant topics and promoting responsible citizenship. A comprehensive careers program is in place, offering pupils opportunities to engage with employers and gain work experience, preparing them for future pathways.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. To further improve, the school needs to enhance the uptake of language studies at key stage four and ensure consistent assessment practices to address gaps in understanding before progressing to new content. Overall, Staffordshire University Academy is making commendable progress in providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
