West Midlands Construction UTC is a university technical college that opened in September 2015, focusing on construction and the application of ICT in the built environment. The school moved to its current purpose-built site in November 2016 after initially being housed in temporary buildings. The college serves students aged 14 to 19 and has a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has not been previously inspected and does not currently utilize alternative provision.
The recent inspection, conducted in June 2018, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as good. The principal, supported by senior leaders, has implemented rapid improvements in various areas, including behavior, attendance, teaching, and student progress. The leadership team demonstrates integrity and high expectations for both staff and students. The curriculum is well-planned and distinctive, with strong employer involvement that enhances the educational experience. However, some middle leaders require additional support to effectively lead their areas.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good. Most teaching is effective, with teachers utilizing their strong subject knowledge to engage students and facilitate good progress. Relationships between students and teachers are positive, fostering an environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and take on challenges. While the majority of teaching is effective, there are instances of weaker teaching where questions do not deepen understanding, and tasks may not be appropriately challenging.
Students are making good progress across subjects, particularly in Years 10, 12, and 13. Historical weaknesses in performance have been addressed, and students exhibit good behavior in lessons and during breaks. Attendance has improved significantly since the school's opening, although it remains below the national average for secondary schools. Students are described as mature, confident, and articulate, with strong employability skills developed through the curriculum and employer-led projects.
The sixth form is well-led, with high expectations and quality provision. Students are engaged and motivated, benefiting from strong pastoral support and effective teaching. They have access to valuable work experience and employer mentoring, which enhances their understanding of the construction sector and prepares them for future careers. The school has established strong links with local employers, contributing to students' positive experiences and outcomes.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance teaching quality to ensure strong progress across all subjects, particularly in key stage 4. This includes better planning of activities to match students' abilities and improving questioning techniques to deepen understanding. Additionally, attendance needs to be improved to meet national averages, and the governing body should strengthen its expertise in secondary education to hold leaders accountable for academic outcomes. Overall, the school is making significant strides in providing a quality education and preparing students for successful futures in the construction and built environment sectors.
