Progress Schools - Wolverhampton

The recent Ofsted inspection report for Progress Schools – Wolverhampton, conducted from January 23 to 25, 2024, offers a detailed evaluation of the school’s overall performance and the quality of education it provides. The school has shown significant improvement since its last inspection, which had deemed it inadequate. It now holds a “Good” rating across all major categories, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Progress Schools – Wolverhampton is an independent day school that caters to pupils aged 11 to 16, primarily those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The school is relatively small, with a capacity of 30 pupils, and it operates from The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton. The school’s primary goal is to support pupils who have faced difficulties in their previous educational experiences, helping them to re-engage with learning and develop positive attitudes towards their education.

The report highlights the school’s caring and supportive environment, where strong relationships between pupils, families, and staff play a central role. This nurturing atmosphere, described as having a “warm, family” feel, is fundamental to the school’s approach. Staff are dedicated to helping pupils regain confidence and restore their trust in education. The high expectations set by the staff contribute to pupils generally enjoying their time at school and working hard in their lessons.

The curriculum at Progress Schools – Wolverhampton has undergone significant revisions over the past year. It is designed to be ambitious, with a focus on enabling pupils to catch up on missed learning, particularly in core subjects like English and mathematics. These subjects are carefully planned and sequenced to build on prior knowledge. However, the report notes that some units within the broader curriculum still contain too much content, which could hinder pupils’ ability to retain important knowledge. The school is working on refining these areas to ensure a more focused and effective learning experience.

Staff at the school are commended for their good subject knowledge and ability to present information clearly. They effectively use assessment strategies to ensure that pupils understand and remember key concepts. Reading is a particular priority, with staff encouraging pupils to read widely and providing targeted support for those who need it. The school’s inclusive approach ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support and are fully integrated into school life.

Leadership and management at Progress Schools – Wolverhampton are described as effective, with a clear vision for the school’s future. Leaders are committed to developing strong relationships between home and school and setting high standards for behaviour and engagement. The report does note that some curriculum leaders are relatively new to their roles and require ongoing support to fully develop in these positions.

Safeguarding is another area where the school excels. The report confirms that the arrangements for safeguarding are effective and that the school has created a positive and open culture that prioritizes pupils’ well-being.

Overall, the inspection report portrays Progress Schools – Wolverhampton as a caring and effective institution that has made significant strides in improving its educational provision. The school meets all the independent school standards and is well-regarded by both staff and pupils. Despite some areas still needing refinement, the school is on a positive trajectory, with a strong commitment to supporting every pupil in achieving their best.