Shireland Biomedical UTC, located in West Bromwich, has undergone significant changes since its transfer to Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust. The recent inspection, conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The quality of education was also rated as Requires Improvement, while Behaviour and Attitudes received a Good rating. Personal Development and Leadership and Management were both rated as Requires Improvement, with the sixth-form provision rated as Good.
The principal, Andrea Stephens, leads the UTC, which serves students aged 11 to 19. The UTC has made strides in creating a calm and orderly environment, particularly in Key Stage 3, where behaviour routines are well established. Pupils express satisfaction with the improvements made since joining the trust, and there is a positive atmosphere within the school. The physical organization of the UTC supports outdoor play and physical education, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
Despite these positive aspects, there are areas that require attention. Leaders have high expectations for pupil achievement, but there is variability in how these expectations are met across the curriculum. While the sixth form demonstrates more consistent high standards, Years 7 and 8 show inconsistency in certain subjects. The personal development curriculum is underdeveloped, lacking in both the range of opportunities offered to pupils and their uptake.
The UTC has redesigned its curriculum, introducing a cross-curricular literacy initiative called 'literacy4life' for Key Stage 3 pupils. This ambitious curriculum aims to map pupils' knowledge across various subjects. However, leaders acknowledge that they have not yet provided sufficient training for all teachers to effectively deliver this curriculum, which impacts the ability to meet individual pupils' needs. Additionally, while pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have their needs identified, the adaptations made for them can be inconsistent, affecting their overall achievement.
The UTC recognizes the variability in reading ages among incoming pupils and has yet to develop a comprehensive approach to teaching reading skills for those with weaker abilities. This gap can hinder some pupils' access to the curriculum. In contrast, the sixth form shows more consistency in delivering an ambitious curriculum, particularly in applied courses, where students receive strong support and guidance for post-18 applications.
Behaviour expectations have been clarified, and new systems have positively impacted pupil conduct, resulting in a respectful and calm atmosphere. Attendance rates are high due to systematic efforts to address poor attendance and build relationships with families. The UTC has introduced a trust policy for personal development, focusing on personal, social, health, and economic education, as well as respectful relationships. However, the implementation of this curriculum is still in its early stages, and there is a need for clearer oversight of extra-curricular opportunities.
Leaders have made significant efforts to improve the UTC, including admitting Year 7 pupils and establishing partnerships with universities. Trustees are well-informed about the decisions made to enhance educational quality and consider staff workload in their actions. However, there is a need for all leaders to fully understand their roles and responsibilities, particularly in quality assurance.
The safeguarding arrangements at the UTC are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve, the UTC must focus on providing adequate training for teachers in pedagogical content knowledge, adapting learning activities to meet pupils' prior understanding, and consistently monitoring the effectiveness of improvements. Additionally, the UTC should accelerate support for pupils with weaker reading skills to ensure they can access the curriculum effectively. Overall, while there are commendable aspects of the UTC, there are critical areas that require attention to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
