Thorns Collegiate Academy, located in Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, underwent an inspection from March 12 to 13, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and behavior and attitudes also receiving the same rating. However, personal development and leadership and management were rated as good. This inspection follows a previous grade of inadequate, indicating progress has been made under the leadership of acting principal Nikki Jones and the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, led by CEO Sir Mark Grundy.
The school has seen improvements, with more students engaging positively with the challenges set by staff and taking pride in their school. Many students report happiness at school, and staff demonstrate a commitment to student well-being and safety, setting high expectations for all pupils. There is a notable involvement of students in extracurricular activities, including organizing events and participating in community service initiatives. The school promotes a culture of success and inclusivity, with students increasingly embracing this ethos.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain, particularly concerning behavior. While most students behave well and are ready to learn, some older students exhibit negative attitudes that disrupt the learning environment. This inconsistency in behavior, coupled with variability in classroom learning experiences, affects overall student performance. The school acknowledges the need for continued efforts to enhance student behavior and attitudes, particularly among older pupils who have not fully embraced the positive changes being implemented.
Leaders are dedicated to improving the school and are taking appropriate steps to address the identified issues. Staff members are actively involved in change initiatives, contributing ideas to enhance the school environment. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with innovative approaches that connect learning across subjects. However, there are concerns regarding the delivery of the curriculum, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, as outcomes do not consistently reflect the quality of the curriculum. Variability in teaching practices and a lack of focus on ensuring all students grasp essential knowledge hinder progress.
The school has made strides in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that teachers have the necessary information to provide effective support. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the SEND provision, highlighting the responsiveness of the inclusion team. Additionally, the school emphasizes reading support, with trained staff providing timely assistance to those in need.
The personal, health, and social education curriculum is well-structured, incorporating relevant local issues and effective careers education. Safeguarding measures are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. However, the school must foster a culture where all pupils share common values and respect, as some students struggle to demonstrate appropriate behavior.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that all students receive adequate support to address behavioral challenges and that the curriculum is consistently implemented across all subjects. There is a need for a strategic plan to support disadvantaged pupils effectively, addressing barriers to their learning and development. Overall, while Thorns Collegiate Academy has made significant progress, ongoing efforts are required to build on these improvements and ensure all students achieve their full potential.
