Ofsted has published its first list of top-performing schools in the West Midlands under the new inspection framework, with King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls in Kings Heath receiving the highest number of 'exceptional' ratings so far.
The Kings Heath grammar school was handed five exceptional grades, covering achievement, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision. No other school in the region has received more exceptional ratings under the new system.
New grading system replaces old categories
Schools inspected this year have been judged across a range of areas rather than being awarded one overall rating. Previous grades such as 'outstanding' and 'good' have been replaced, with 'exceptional' now the best possible rating. This grade is handed out very rarely, reserved for only the best schools that have gone above and beyond the ordinary and seriously impressed inspectors.
The new inspection system only began at the start of this year, so many of the region's best schools will still carry their 'outstanding' tags until they are re-inspected. The aim of the overhaul is to provide fuller and fairer reflections of daily school life, according to Ofsted.
Schools praised across multiple areas
Schools have been praised in a range of areas including attendance, behaviour, achievement and leadership. Among the other schools to receive exceptional ratings are Queen Mary's High School in Walsall, which was handed three top ratings for achievement, personal development, and wellbeing.
E-ACT North Birmingham Academy in Erdington is the only mainstream comprehensive secondary to get the top grade this year, receiving exceptional ratings for attendance and behaviour.
Full list of West Midlands schools with exceptional ratings
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Kings Heath - rated exceptional for achievement; inclusion; leadership and governance; personal development and wellbeing; and post-16 provision.
- E-ACT North Birmingham Academy, Erdington - rated exceptional for attendance and behaviour.
- Queen Mary's High School, Walsall - rated exceptional for achievement; personal development; and wellbeing.
- Moat Farm Junior School, Oldbury - rated exceptional for attendance and behaviour.
- Goldsmith Primary Academy, Walsall - rated exceptional for inclusion; leadership and governance; and personal development and wellbeing.
- Reedswood E-ACT Primary Academy, Walsall - rated exceptional for achievement; leadership and governance; and personal development and wellbeing.
The overhaul means schools can no longer be lumbered with an 'inadequate' grade for years based on a single inspection snapshot, as was previously the case. The new system aims to give a fuller, fairer picture of daily school life across multiple dimensions.