Oldbury Academy celebrates ‘GOOD’ Ofsted rating with inspectors praising the school for being ‘‘committed to making sure pupils receive the best education possible’’.
During the inspection, which took place on 7th and 8th December 2021, inspectors acknowledged that the academy ‘’is an orderly environment’’. They found that ‘’This helps pupils to concentrate on their work. Teachers share high expectations of behaviour. They expect pupils to focus on their work’’. The inspection team spoke positively about our strong C.A.R.E. ethos of celebrate together, achievement for all, respect each other and expectations to succeed. The report states that ‘’Pupils understand the school’s values and what is expected of them and they respond positively to these expectations’’.
Alongside these highlights, inspectors outlined numerous ways in which the academy is providing a GOOD education for it’s pupils. Notably:
- “Pupils at this school receive a good education. Their behaviour in lessons and around the school site creates a calm atmosphere”.
- “Bullying is not tolerated. Pupils know what they should do if it happens to them or their friends. Staff are always available to help with any problems that pupils have. Pupils value this support and this means they feel safe at school”.
- “The school is well led. The headteacher is committed to making sure pupils receive the best education possible. Able senior and middle leaders support him with this aim. All leaders in the school share the same ambition”.
- “Leaders and teachers aim to give each pupil the chance to succeed in their life. They plan opportunities to build pupils’ character”.
- “Teachers carefully plan what pupils should learn in lessons. Teachers make sure that topics are ordered appropriately. They check that pupils have remembered work completed in earlier lessons, for example by starting lessons with a ‘do now’ activity in which pupils take time to recall what they have learnt before”.
- “Pupils’ work is frequently checked and there are high expectations of written work. Pupils value this. They keep their books and files neat and tidy”.
- “Pupils study an ambitious curriculum. They learn a wide range of different subjects in depth”.
- “Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. They also follow an ambitious curriculum. Teachers understand individuals’ needs and plan carefully to help them to learn”.
- “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders and teachers understand how to safeguard pupils. There is a team of safeguarding leaders who work together well”.
The inspection report recognises the amazing job that staff and Governors have done over the past few years in providing the very best education for its pupils.
Phil Shackleton, Headteacher at Oldbury Academy said:
“I am immensely proud of our pupils and staff for all of their hard work and dedication. Our children should be very proud of the way they conduct and apply themselves on a daily basis and it is an honour to lead a team where children really are at the heart of what we do”.
“Since taking up the post of Headteacher in 2016, I have valued all of the support from parents and carers. Thank you to all those who regularly support Oldbury Academy and share the good work that goes on in the community and also to those who gave feedback during the inspection”.
Sally Harvey, Chair of Governors said:
“Governors are delighted with the outcome of our most recent Ofsted inspection, a testament to all the GOOD things associated with our school”.
“The work that is done on a daily basis isn’t for Ofsted; it has never been. We have only ever worked towards sustainable improvements and ensuring our pupils leave us with the best life chances possible, being the best that they can be, and the report recognises this”.
“It’s nice to be able to reflect, congratulate all, and appreciate the recognition that our staff and pupils so richly deserve”.
Rachel Salter, CEO of Stour Vale Academy Trust said:
“As a member school, Oldbury Academy contributes greatly to the collective capacity of Stour Vale Academy Trust to offer the very best education and care to the pupils and communities we serve. I am delighted that this has now been officially recognised by Ofsted”.
You can read our report here:
