A Birmingham secondary school has received a glowing Ofsted report, with inspectors recognising its exceptional standards.
E-ACT North Birmingham Academy in Erdington, which is part of the E-ACT multiacademy trust, has been rated 'exceptional' for attendance and behaviour following an inspection last month, with 'strong' ratings in a further three areas. Ofsted no longer issues single-word overall judgements.
Schools are now assessed across a five-point scale from 'exceptional' to 'urgent improvement', with 'expected standard' the benchmark for a high-performing school. The 'exceptional' rating for attendance and behaviour places North Birmingham Academy among the very best schools in the country.
Ofsted defines 'exceptional' as practice "of the highest standard nationally", which other schools can learn from. Inspectors noted that the school is already sharing its "trailblazing strategies" to support high attendance with other providers.
The areas rated 'strong' were curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. Achievement and post-16 provision were rated 'expected standard', demonstrating the school consistently achieves the expected quality and standards in these areas.
Inspectors described the school as "a warm and welcoming place that is abuzz with positivity", adding that pupils have seen the rapid and sustained improvements for themselves and appreciate the consistently positive culture leaders have developed. Attendance is at 97%, well above the national average, and the school has been picked by the Government to be a lead school for the RISE programme on attendance and behaviour.
The RISE programme aims to have the best performing schools in certain areas spread best practice and teach other schools how they’ve achieved this success. The report states that pupils meet the school's "very high behaviour expectations consistently" and lessons are not disrupted by poor behaviour.
The school's culture is described as "highly inclusive", with many pupils who previously faced barriers to fitting in now "deeply engaged and thriving in school." David Karim, Headteacher at E-ACT North Birmingham Academy, said: "We are incredibly proud of this report, which reflects the commitment and hard work of every member of our school community including staff, pupils, families and our trust.
"The improvement we have made over the past three years has been a collective effort, and it is deeply rewarding to see it recognised by Ofsted. But what matters most is what these results mean for our pupils.
“They are coming to school, thriving, and leaving us well prepared for whatever comes next. We remain determined to keep improving and to give every pupil at North Birmingham Academy the education and opportunities they deserve."
