Ocker Hill Academy, located in Tipton, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The school is part of the Ocker Hill trust, with Joseph Farmer serving as the headteacher and Adam Holyhead as the chair of the board of trustees. The academy caters to pupils aged 7 to 11 and currently has 251 students enrolled.
The inspection highlighted the exceptional care provided to pupils, contributing to a positive and thriving school environment. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for learning and demonstrate a strong work ethic, understanding that their success is linked to their own efforts. The behavior of students is described as impeccable, with classrooms characterized by calmness and well-established routines. The school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, make significant progress and are celebrated for their differences.
The wider development of pupils is a key focus at Ocker Hill Academy, with leaders committed to providing diverse opportunities that nurture students' talents and interests. Extra-curricular activities, such as musical theatre and residential visits, are well-received and contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. The school’s curriculum is evolving, with subject leaders taking ownership of their areas and utilizing assessment effectively to build on prior knowledge. Most pupils achieve well across the curriculum, although there is a recognized need for further development in the mathematics curriculum, particularly in enhancing verbal and written reasoning skills.
Pupils with special educational needs receive high-quality support, and the school collaborates effectively with external agencies to address barriers to learning. Many of these pupils successfully reintegrate into mainstream classrooms, developing the necessary skills for future educational stages. The school promotes a love of reading, with many pupils engaging with a variety of books and participating in initiatives that encourage reading at home. However, there are concerns regarding the support provided to the most vulnerable readers, particularly in phonics instruction, which needs to be more effectively implemented.
The behavior management systems in place are well understood by both staff and pupils, leading to minimal disruption during lessons. The school emphasizes positive behavior recognition and attendance, employing external services to support vulnerable pupils in maintaining regular attendance. The commitment to the wider development of pupils fosters motivation and a desire to excel academically.
Pupil voice is valued at Ocker Hill Academy, with opportunities for students to participate in decision-making processes through the school council. They engage in charitable activities and community service, reinforcing the importance of kindness and social responsibility. Leaders prioritize staff development, ensuring that all educators understand effective teaching principles and receive ongoing support to manage their workloads. The trustees share the leadership's ambition for school improvement and actively seek to monitor the impact of the curriculum.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare prioritized. However, the school recognizes the need to enhance the delivery of phonics instruction for struggling readers and to provide more opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding of mathematics through reasoning and problem-solving. Overall, Ocker Hill Academy is a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils are encouraged to thrive academically and personally, preparing them for future success.
