Sandwell Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Achievement is outstanding. At GCSE, the proportion of students gaining five A* to C grades including English and mathematics is well above the national average.

Students are taught extremely well by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who display a passion for their subjects and who are ambitious for students to achieve at the highest level. Oral feedback to students on how to improve their work is excellent. However, whilst there is exemplary written feedback, it is not consistent across all subjects.

Support for disabled students and those with special educational needs, those for whom English is an additional language, and th...ose who are eligible for additional government funding is excellent, enabling them to participate well and realise their full potential. Students behave exceptionally well and show high levels of respect for staff and each other. They are immensely proud of the academy and their attitudes to learning are exemplary.

Students feel very safe at the academy. The academy's highly effective curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students extremely well, and contributes greatly to their outstanding success. Provision for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is exceptionally strong.

Students are very appreciative of the wide range of clubs, extra lessons, and educational visits, both at home and abroad. The sixth form is outstanding. High-quality teaching and guidance, and strong partnerships with universities, colleges of further education and industry, provide students with excellent opportunities to pursue careers of their choice.

Through his dedication and pursuit of excellence, the headteacher has inspired outstanding leadership at all levels so that teaching and achievement have improved to the highest standards. Governors use their considerable knowledge and experience to support and rigorously challenge the senior leadership team.

information about the work of the staff linked to performance management and training

arrangements, monitoring of teaching, students' behaviour and attendance, the safeguarding of students and governance.

Inspection team Ann Behan, Lead inspector Additional Inspector Shahnaz Maqsood Additional Inspector Michael Rose Additional Inspector Helen Owen Additional Inspector Paul O'Shea Additional Inspector Elizabeth Needham Additional Inspector Full report