Inspectors visited Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy in May and, in their report published recently, found that staff have high expectations of their pupils – and that students live up to these.
Leaders know their school well, with 'an accurate view of the school’s many strengths' and what it needs to do better. Governors, St Francis and St Clare Multi Academy Company trust leaders and trustees work alongside school leaders to ensure that pupils interests ‘are at the heart of everything that they do'.
The curriculum is well planned and sequenced, and pupils’ aspirations and interests are built on from as early as Year 7, ensuring they are 'ready for their next steps in education, training or employment'.
Leaders have prioritised improving reading for pupils who find it a struggle, creating bespoke support programmes to provide them with extra help, leading to 'rapid progress'.
The Old Fallings Lane school’s philosophy of ‘strong alone, but unstoppable together’ permeates throughout the school, both in lessons and at social times.
Many pupils take part in extra curricular clubs, such as chess club, drone club, sports clubs and eco club, which are matched to their interests and which fully include pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Inspectors found that Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy's SEND team know their pupils well.
Leaders have prioritised pupils’ welfare and well-being, helping to 'improve their self esteem and confidence'. Pupils are described as 'polite, well mannered and respectful of all faiths and cultures'. They feel safe at school and are 'proud to be a part of such a positive community'.
Inspectors concluded that Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy continues to be a Good school. It was previously judged to be Good in 2018.
Principal Louisa Craig said: “We are especially proud of our students and appreciate the support we receive from parents and carers.
“We are also grateful to our governors, teachers, staff and directors, who work tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that our Catholic school can be the very best it can be.”
Toni Ellis, CEO of the St Francis and St Clare Multi Academy Company, added: " As a Trust, we love to watch our schools grow and develop. The Our Lady & St Chad community of students and staff are always looking to innovate and provide new opportunities, and do so with a deep sense of family. We are very pleased with the inspection outcome and know there is so much more to come."
Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is another very positive report for Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy, with inspectors full of praise for the school. I would like to congratulate Louisa Craig, the staff, pupils, governors and everyone else connected with the school on this outcome."
Latest figures show 89% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding in Wolverhampton, above the regional and national average. In addition, 9 in 10 Wolverhampton pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.
