West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, located in West Bromwich, West Midlands, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening. The inspection took place on February 20 and 21, 2024, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all rated as outstanding. The principal, George Faux, leads the school, which is part of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Sir Mark Grundy and a board of trustees chaired by Andrew Dennis.
The school is characterized by a strong sense of community among staff and pupils, who share high aspirations and expectations for academic achievement and personal growth. The school emphasizes values such as decency and respect, fostering a positive environment where relationships between pupils and staff are courteous and respectful. Pupils feel happy and safe, and parents have expressed appreciation for the supportive community atmosphere cultivated by the staff.
West Bromwich Collegiate Academy places a significant focus on personal development, integrating itself into the local community to support pupils both inside and outside of school. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of fundamental British values, and opportunities for leadership, such as wellbeing ambassadors and sports leaders, are readily available. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including young engineers, enterprise initiatives, and poetry competitions, enriching the educational experience.
The curriculum at the school is ambitious, rigorous, and innovative, designed to meet the needs of its pupils. The Literacy for Life curriculum for Years 7 to 9 effectively transitions pupils from primary to secondary education, allowing them to build on their prior knowledge systematically. Teachers present new subject matter clearly and utilize strategies such as do now activities to help pupils retain information. However, there are instances where some teachers do not adequately check pupils' understanding, leading to gaps in knowledge for some students.
The school excels in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Individualized Pupil Passports provide essential information for staff, enabling them to tailor their teaching effectively. A range of strategies is in place to assist pupils who struggle with reading, including specialized support for phonics, grammar, and comprehension. The library serves as a vibrant hub for reading and learning.
Pupil behavior is exceptional, characterized by self-control and positive attitudes toward learning. The school maintains high attendance rates and has robust systems to support pupils who may be absent. The personal development curriculum addresses important topics such as healthy relationships and online safety, while discussions about careers and future aspirations are integrated into the learning experience.
Trustees and governors are well-informed about the school and provide appropriate support and challenge. They hold the school accountable for various aspects of provision, including safeguarding and special educational needs. Staff benefit from detailed professional development, which is highly valued and contributes to their effectiveness in supporting pupils.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, to improve further, the school needs to ensure that all teachers consistently check pupils' understanding and address any gaps in knowledge. This will enhance the overall learning experience and support all pupils in achieving their full potential.
