Tamworth Enterprise College, located in Staffordshire, underwent an inspection on June 14 and 15, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of requires improvement. The quality of education and behavior and attitudes were also rated as requiring improvement, while personal development and leadership and management were rated as good. The school has a history of requiring improvement, as noted in its previous inspection in October 2021.
Pupils at the college report feeling safe and supported, with access to trusted adults for discussing their concerns. While most students enjoy their time at school and appreciate the diversity of their peers, some express that disruptive behavior from others can hinder their learning, particularly in classes with cover teachers. The leadership team aims for students to achieve their best and provides a variety of experiences, including university visits and guest speakers discussing future opportunities.
The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, art, and modern foreign languages, and has engaged students in projects such as writing novels. Leaders have carefully considered the curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious and prepares students well for their future choices. However, the inconsistent use of assessment by teachers means that some students retain knowledge better in certain subjects than others. Effective assessment practices are evident in English, where questioning techniques enhance understanding, but there are gaps in other subjects that need addressing.
Reading development is prioritized, with regular reading sessions and additional support for those who need it. Leaders recognize the need for continued efforts to ensure all students read widely. The school provides good support for students with special educational needs and disabilities, although some individual learning plans lack specificity, which can limit their effectiveness.
Leaders have set high expectations for behavior, resulting in a decrease in inappropriate incidents. However, student opinions on behavior are mixed, with some indicating that poor behavior disrupts learning, particularly in lessons with cover teachers. The school offers strong careers advice starting in Year 7, helping students make informed decisions about their future, with all Year 11 students securing offers for education, employment, or training.
Staff morale is high, and they appreciate the support from leaders, including those new to teaching. The governing body maintains high expectations for the school and provides a balance of support and challenge to leaders. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving regular training and strong links to external agencies ensuring timely support for students and families.
The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in the effective use of assessment across all subjects to identify knowledge gaps and misconceptions. Additionally, the individual learning plans for students with SEND need to be more precise to ensure appropriate support. Finally, the school must ensure that behavior expectations are consistently upheld in all lessons to enhance the learning environment for all students.
