Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils benefit from an exceptional education at Eden Boys' Leadership Academy. Leaders and teachers share strong school values of service, teamwork, ambition and respect. These are woven throughout the school.

Staff and pupils live out these values every day. A mutually respectful ethos permeates the school. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe.

All staff share the desire to improve pupils' life chances, and they work tirelessly to do so. They are highly successful in doing so. Staff prepare pupils to become leaders of the future.

Pupils eagerly rise to the opportunities provided.

Pupils achieve impressive outcomes, including those from disa...dvantaged backgrounds and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Teachers focus on those who need additional support in their learning.

This helps to ensure that everyone achieves well.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils move calmly and quickly around the site.

In lessons, pupils happily meet their teachers' very high expectations. They concentrate hard. They complete challenging work.

Pupils understand the importance of their academic work. They thrive in a wonderful working environment. Pupils reported that almost no bullying takes place.

On the isolated occasions when it does happen, leaders deal with it promptly.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Inspirational multi-academy trust leaders and senior leaders ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to succeed. Leadership is exceptional at all levels.

Teaching and support staff all buy into the ethos of the school. The training that teachers receive is exemplary.

Across the school, pupils receive an excellent education.

They learn an ambitious academic curriculum. Leaders and staff have given careful thought to what pupils should learn. Learning in all subjects is carefully sequenced and planned.

Teachers are passionate about their subjects.

Pupils take great care when completing their work. Teachers use assessment well to check that pupils have understood everything they have been taught.

They adjust their teaching skilfully to address any gaps in knowledge. This helps pupils to make strong progress. Teachers check that pupils are using the correct terminology in each subject.

They ensure that pupils build their knowledge over time. Pupils understand how different concepts fit together.

Reading is a high priority across the school.

Teachers tell pupils about subject-specific texts that will develop their understanding. Reading for pleasure is encouraged. For instance, pupils read ambitious texts during tutor time, such as 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens.

Those who are behind in reading are supported and rapidly improve.

Pupils' positive behaviour plays a very strong part in supporting their learning. Pupils spoken to explained that behaving respectfully and politely is vital for their future success.

Teachers manage behaviour with calm authority. Pupils' attitudes to learning are extremely impressive.

There are a wide range of personal development opportunities available for pupils.

Leaders plan these very well, and pupils take these up enthusiastically. Islamic values are woven together with British values. Pupils are both proud of their country and proud of their faith.

Staff and pupils share a culture of service. They demonstrate this in various ways, including by pupils volunteering at the school's food bank.

Leaders prioritise pupils' moral and spiritual development.

The development of pupils' faith helps them to become tolerant, respectful, outward-looking citizens.

There are a wide range of opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities. Many pupils take up these opportunities.

Pupil leadership is developed, for example through the elected student council and prefect positions.

All pupils receive a valuable careers education. This starts from their first year in school.

They learn about different career options and gain experience of apprenticeships and universities. They are supported to make applications for sixth-form places when they leave the school. All pupils are encouraged to be ambitious in their plans for the future.

Pupils with SEND receive exceptional support. All teachers understand what they need to do to offer targeted help in lessons. Pupils with SEND follow the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

Teachers skilfully adapt the approach they take to ensure pupils can succeed.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff prioritise the safeguarding of pupils.

Staff know how to spot the signs of potential abuse. They raise any concerns, no matter how small. Leaders respond quickly to these so pupils are helped when help is needed.

Leaders liaise with external agencies where necessary. The school has good links with the local police force. Leaders are aware of specific risks in the local community.

They work proactively to address these. Pupils learn about the risks they may face and how to respond to these effectively. They learn how to maintain and improve their physical and mental health.