Inspectors visited Bushbury Lane Academy in February and, in their report published recently, judged the school to be Outstanding in each and every inspection area.
They found 'pupils love being part of this inclusive and caring school', with Bushbury Lane having high aspirations for its pupils and a commitment to giving them the 'very best experiences'.
All children know what is expected of them and 'rise to achieve it', while 'the strength of relationships' permeates all aspects of school life, helping pupils to overcome challenges and engage in all that their school offers. As a result, pupils' engagement and outcomes 'are exceptional’.
Staff at Bushbury Lane, part of Reach2 Academy Trust, know their pupils well and create 'an atmosphere of aspiration and care'. Pupils feel proud of their school, enjoy their learning and take part in the many extra opportunities the school offers.
Provision for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities 'is exceptional', with a 'seamless approach to adapting lessons' which ensures all pupils access a curriculum that meets their individual needs. Meanwhile, inspectors found that pupils spoke 'with maturity and demonstrate exceptional kindness' towards those with additional needs.
Leaders 'work exceptionally well together' and have a 'clear and ambitious vision' for providing all pupils with a high quality education. The range of expertise and resources across the Trust ensures a positive culture for school improvement, with a balance of challenge and support.
The school also works 'tirelessly and consistently' to provide opportunities and experiences to enhance pupils’ personal development. Children benefit from a wide range of clubs and activities that encourage and nurture their interests, and which support them to become confident, resilient and independent.
Ofsted judged the overall effectiveness of the school to be Outstanding, with each inspection area – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision – also judged Outstanding.
Headteacher Lisa Smith said: "I am so incredibly proud of the staff and children at Bushbury Lane Academy. We have been on such a monumental journey together over the past few years and the hard work and dedication seen has been truly remarkable.
“We have worked tirelessly to create an ethos and culture where ‘every child has a champion’ and we are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the love and care shown for each child in our building.
“Our goal was for every child to succeed and have aspirations for the future, fostering a lifelong love of learning along the way. The staff and children are exceptional and our Outstanding judgement would not have been possible if it wasn’t for every individual in our building and the strong community we are surrounded by.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is a tremendous Ofsted inspection which demonstrates the dramatic improvements which have been made at Bushbury Lane Academy in recent times and helped it move from requiring improvement in 2020 to being the Outstanding school it is today.
"I would like to congratulate Lisa Smith, her staff, governors, parents and pupils on this wonderful outcome."
Latest figures show 91% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding, above the regional and national average. In addition, 9 in 10 Wolverhampton pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.
