From inadequate to good, school wins Ofsted praise

A school once rated inadequate has been praised by an education watchdog for now having an "accurate understanding of pupils' needs".

St Regis CE Academy in Wolverhampton, formerly The King's Church of England School, joined the Three Spires Trust in April 2023.

Following a visit in January, Ofsted inspectors found safeguarding standards were being met and inclusion was being delivered to a strong standard.

"This report reflects the determined and thoughtful work that has taken place at St Regis over the last three years," Emily Verow, CEO of Three Spires Trust said. In 2017, in its previous incarnation, as well as being rated inadequate it was told teaching quality was "too inconsistent".

However, a year later the secondary school on Regis Road, Tettenhall, its overall rating was boosted to "requires improvement".

It was then boosted to "good" in 2022, before it later closed, joining the academy, as St Regis CE Academy.

During the most recent inspection, Ofsted found "pupils were included in all aspects of school life" and "leaders identified quickly and accurately any additional needs that pupils may have".

Inspectors praised staff for providing students with special educational needs and disabilities, a range of "highly effective support" that helped them to access the curriculum.

The report stated: "Leaders use pupil premium funding effectively, to ensure that disadvantaged pupils receive the support they need.

"Leaders also provide high-quality support for young carers. For example, leaders ensure these pupils receive additional help through lunchtime and homework clubs."

Attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing were all found to be delivered at the expected standard.

In November, Ofsted changed its rating system to a new New five-point grading scale, including the new "exceptional" grade, which was designed to raise standards.

Ian Terry, the school's chair of governors, said: "The report affirms that the academy is on the right path, with a clear understanding of its strengths and priorities."

Executive principal Edward Parry, added: "I am very proud of this positive Ofsted report and would like to thank the members of staff at St Regis for their hard work and dedication to provide our young people with the right conditions in which to grow and flourish."

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