Wheelers Lane Technology College

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Governors hold high ambitions for the boys of its local community. They have delivered that ambition of high academic standards and responsible young men who are outstandingly well equipped for further study and employment. Consistent appointments of highly effective senior leaders, including the head teacher have driven continuous improvement over time.

Skilled management at all levels in the school allows effective tracking of individual students and rapid intervention and support of students where required. Good quality information about students' attainment and current progress is used by teachers to plan highly effective les...sons. Teachers consistently address the individual learning needs of their students in all subjects.

Boys attain higher standards than all students nationally. The progress they make put the school in the top 3% of schools nationally in 2013. In 2014, an even stronger picture is evident.

Students eligible for additional funding achieve higher standards and make better progress than all students nationally; the lower attainment apparent in most schools for such students has been eliminated at Wheelers Lane. The school has noted that some more able students' who speak English as an additional language could be making even better progress because in some cases their answers lack precision. There is an outstanding programme of continuous staff training and development, which includes good collaborative working with local schools.

The school curriculum is skilfully organised to provide a vast range of subjects and activities. It motivates the boys, sustains their strong commitment to learning and personal achievement, and provides them with unfettered access to future study and employment. There is outstanding teaching by well-trained teachers and external experts about the rights and responsibilities for students in modern democratic Britain.

Teachers are vigilant for signs of radicalisation or abuse and take swift, expert action to resolve concerns. Boys are considerate and respectful of each other and of staff. They are exceptionally well-behaved and know how to keep themselves safe.

Information about this school

This boy's school is smaller than most secondary schools. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average. The proportion of these students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average.

No students have education, health and care plans. About two fifths of the students are eligible for the pupil premium, which is above average. This is additional funding for students known to be eligible for free school meals, those in local authority care and any with a parent in the armed services.

English is not the first language for about a third of students. This is much higher than average. Over half the students are from minority heritage backgrounds.

This is double the national proportion. About half of these are from Pakistani heritage. The school uses one alternative provision setting, called 'Envirohort'.

The school is part of 'Birmingham South Area Network', a collaborative partnership of schools focussed on continuing professional development for teachers. It is part of a teaching school alliance. The school meets the current government floor standards.

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