Lordswood Boys’ School, located in Harborne, Birmingham, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on February 15 and 16, 2022, and highlighted several strengths of the school. Pupils enjoy their time at Lordswood Boys’ School, benefiting from a solid quality of education. The staff, including teachers, maintain high expectations for students, fostering an environment where pupils are encouraged to excel. The school community shares a commitment to continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on literacy as a foundation for success across the curriculum.
The behavior of pupils in lessons is generally calm and focused, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere. Students take pride in their new school facilities and treat them with respect. The school promotes a harmonious environment where different groups of pupils interact well, and instances of bullying are rare due to effective policies and procedures in place. The leadership team, including the principal and trustees, is dedicated to providing the best educational experience for all pupils, ensuring they have access to a wide range of opportunities and encouraging them to aspire to high achievements.
The curriculum at Lordswood Boys’ School is broad, offering a variety of subjects and guiding pupils towards appropriate qualifications in key stage four. Teachers carefully plan lessons with a focus on developing literacy skills, expecting pupils to engage deeply with their work. However, the curriculum in key stage three does not yet encompass the full breadth of the national curriculum, as subjects like design and technology and computer science are not currently offered. Leaders are aware of this gap and are actively working to address it.
Pupils are provided with opportunities to explore their interests beyond the academic curriculum. Personal development days allow students to engage with important topics, such as relationships and sexuality, fostering open discussions with peers and teachers. The introduction of enrichment lessons further broadens the curriculum, allowing pupils to explore diverse topics. However, there is a need for improvement in extra-curricular offerings, as opportunities for music, drama, and trips are currently limited.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is well-structured, with teachers adapting the curriculum to meet individual needs effectively. The school ensures that these pupils can access all subjects, and detailed plans are in place to support their learning. Additionally, the school provides comprehensive careers education, advice, and guidance, helping pupils understand various career paths and opportunities available to them.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lordswood Boys’ School are effective, with all staff trained to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. Leaders share responsibility for safeguarding, and pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, feeling confident to discuss any issues they may encounter.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum needs to be expanded to include all national curriculum subjects at key stage three, and the range of extra-curricular activities should be broadened to enhance pupils' experiences. Leaders must also ensure that they maintain a focus on areas needing improvement while celebrating successes. Overall, Lordswood Boys’ School is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for its pupils.
