Ofsted has placed Moseley School and Sixth Form in Birmingham into special measures, marking the worst rating for a city secondary school since the watchdog introduced its new grading system earlier this year. The decision means the school is failing to provide an acceptable standard of education, and leaders have not demonstrated the capacity to secure necessary improvements.
Inspection Findings
Inspectors raised serious concerns following a recent visit, leading to the lowest possible ratings of 'urgent improvement' for curriculum, teaching, leadership, and governance. The school also received the second-lowest rating of 'needs attention' for achievement, attendance, behaviour, inclusion, and personal development.
Teaching and Curriculum
Ofsted reported that leaders are aware the quality of education has declined over time but have acted too slowly. A recent curriculum restructure gives pupils more time for key stage 3 knowledge, but imprecise explanations hinder understanding. Teaching does not consistently help pupils link new knowledge to prior learning.
Leadership and Governance
Leaders failed to take timely action to identify and address weaknesses, leading to falling standards, declining teaching quality, and worsening pupil behaviour. Recent staff turnover has exacerbated the situation. Actions to address these issues have only recently been implemented, with no measurable impact yet.
Achievement and Attendance
Pupils' academic achievement is below expected standards, with mixed performance in Year 11 exams. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs achieve broadly in line with national peers, but other groups underperform. Weak teaching leads to inconsistent achievement, especially in mathematics and science. Classwork is often poor quality, unfinished, or not attempted. However, attendance has improved and is now in line with national averages due to effective oversight.
School Response
A Moseley School spokesperson accepted the findings, stating: 'Whilst it is clearly disappointing, we fully accept the findings of the recent Ofsted inspection and welcome the sharp focus and additional support it brings to drive the rapid improvements our pupils deserve.' The school emphasised that safeguarding is effective and pupils feel safe. Strengths were noted in the sixth form, where students benefit from high-quality teaching and strong relationships.
The school acknowledged that standards have not been where they need to be and that work is already underway, including strengthening leadership, improving teaching consistency, raising behaviour expectations, and better supporting staff for all pupils, including those with SEND. As part of special measures, the school will receive regular monitoring and additional support, viewing this as an opportunity to reset and rebuild.
