Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School in Acocks Green, Birmingham, has been placed into special measures by Ofsted following a damning inspection that found serious failings in teaching, behaviour, and leadership. The education watchdog rated the school’s overall effectiveness as ‘inadequate’, the lowest possible grade, and demanded urgent improvements.
Key findings from the inspection
Inspectors reported that a ‘significant minority’ of pupils are boisterous in corridors, pushing others and engaging in play fighting, which makes some pupils feel unsafe. They also noted that some pupils face racist and sexist language directed at them by their peers, and lack confidence in the school’s ability to address these issues. Teaching and the standard of education were described as falling ‘well below expected standards’.
The school, which has over 1,100 pupils on its roll, received three ‘urgent improvement’ ratings in the areas of attendance and behaviour, leadership and governance, and overall effectiveness. Three other areas were rated as ‘needs attention’. As a result of the inspection, Archbishop Ilsley has been placed into special measures, meaning it will receive additional support and monitoring from the Department for Education.
Ofsted report details
The Ofsted report stated: ‘Leaders’ actions to improve behaviour have not led to pupils generally behaving well. While lessons are generally calm, some pupils experience disruption to their learning. Most pupils move around the school appropriately. However, too many pupils do not behave well at unstructured times.’ It added that ‘too many pupils truant from lessons and disrupt others’ learning’, and that leaders lack an accurate understanding of the extent of the problem due to inaccurate recording of attendance.
On racism and sexism, the report noted: ‘Some pupils have racist and sexist language directed at them by other pupils. They lack confidence in how the school deals with these issues.’ Inspectors also highlighted that pupils who experience repeated sanctions are not effectively supported to improve their behaviour, and that leaders have not addressed issues identified at the previous inspection, such as reading support for pupils who need it.
School’s response
The school declined to comment when approached by BirminghamLive but issued a letter to parents acknowledging the findings. The letter stated: ‘The report recognises a number of important strengths, including safeguarding arrangements, the provision for students in the sixth form and aspects of pupils’ wider experiences. We welcome these positive aspects of the inspection findings. However, the report also identifies that aspects of the school’s work require significant improvement. This includes behaviour and attitudes to learning for some pupils, aspects of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and ensuring that teaching and learning consistently meet the needs of every pupil. We accept these findings in full. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, irrespective of their needs, receive the high-quality education, support and inclusive provision they are entitled to. We recognise that this is not yet consistently the case.’
Impact and next steps
Being placed in special measures means the school will be subject to increased scrutiny from Ofsted and the Department for Education. A new improvement plan will be required, and the school may face changes in leadership if progress is not made swiftly. The inspection has raised concerns among parents and the local community about the quality of education and safety at the school. The school has expressed its commitment to addressing all the issues raised and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for all pupils.
