Inspectors visited Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre in November and, in their report published today (Friday 19 January), found that staff 'care deeply about students’ wellbeing'.
Leaders work closely with parents and carers to develop a good understanding of the needs of students, and 'use this knowledge well’ to support them to become resilient and independent young people.
There is a 'clear culture of mutual respect' between staff, students and parents, while the students themselves, who are aged between 16 and 19, feel safe, enjoy school, behave very well and build strong positive relationships with their peers.
Leaders are ‘committed to providing students with an education that supports both their academic and personal growth’. The school’s 'broad and immersive' curriculum is 'carefully tailored', with a specific focus on students developing the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career of their choosing, and on giving them the chance to develop their independent living and social skills.
This 'has a clear impact on students and is helping to shape their confidence and sense of self worth'.
The knowledge students need to gain is well ordered, helping them to ‘make strong progress', with staff sharing a 'strong sense of pride in being part of the caring community that leaders have nurtured'.
Chris Potter, Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre Manager, said: "We are extremely pleased that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of all of the staff and students in creating such a positive learning environment.
“Inspectors identified that we are a unique and bespoke school and also the positive outcomes that we achieve with our students. It would be fantastic if more local employers would start to liaise with us to provide further progression routes for our students when they leave us to continue into their adult lives.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: "This is a very positive report which highlights the excellent opportunities that Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre is giving its students, not only academically but also to support their personal development."
Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre is a small special school for students aged 16 to 19. The school is one of 16 academies in the Central Learning Partnership Trust.
Latest figures show 90% 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.
