Percy Shurmer Academy is a primary school located in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, which has recently been inspected and received an outstanding rating across all areas of evaluation. The inspection took place on May 24 and 25, 2023, and marked a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as good. The school is dedicated to providing an exceptional learning experience for every child, emphasizing its ethos of being big-hearted, brave, and choosing a remarkable life. Leaders at the school are committed to ensuring high attendance and punctuality, and pupils express enjoyment in attending school, feeling happy and safe in their environment. Parents have overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the quality of education their children receive.
The school environment is calm and well-ordered, with pupils demonstrating exceptional behavior and high levels of self-control. They are polite, courteous, and respectful towards peers and adults. The leadership team has established a fair and consistent approach to behavior management, rewarding good behavior and adherence to the school’s values. Pupils are motivated and exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, with any incidents of poor behavior or bullying being addressed swiftly and effectively. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including clubs and trips that enhance learning and allow pupils to explore their interests and talents.
Leaders at Percy Shurmer Academy are ambitious for all pupils and have developed an exceptional curriculum that is well-planned and sequenced. Teachers are highly skilled and consistently deliver the curriculum effectively, ensuring that the work assigned to pupils meets the high standards set by the leadership. Resources are thoughtfully provided to engage pupils, and teachers closely monitor pupil progress, addressing any misconceptions or gaps in learning promptly. The emphasis on reading is particularly strong, with staff well-trained to teach reading effectively, including phonics, which is taught using best practices. Pupils are encouraged to develop a love for reading through various engaging activities.
The early years provision is also outstanding, with children settling well into school life due to well-established routines and skilled staff. Children engage in a variety of activities that promote their learning and development, preparing them effectively for the next stage of their education. The school is particularly effective in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their needs are identified and met promptly. Highly skilled staff work collaboratively with external agencies to provide timely support, enabling these pupils to achieve exceptionally well.
Personal development opportunities are rich and varied, allowing pupils to explore their talents and interests. They learn about resilience, collaboration, and the importance of aiming high through various competitions and activities. The school promotes understanding of democracy and individual liberty, teaching pupils about different religions and cultures through visits to places of worship. Leaders are committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of all pupils, with effective training and support systems in place for staff to identify and address any concerns.
Overall, Percy Shurmer Academy exemplifies excellence in education, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development, and the well-being of its pupils. The leadership team is dedicated to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards, creating a positive and nurturing environment for all students.
