George Dixon Primary School in Edgbaston, one of Birmingham's most affluent areas, has been told pupils are not making the progress they should. The school, located near Edgbaston Reservoir on City Road, was handed the worst-possible rating of 'urgent improvement' in two key areas: achievement, and curriculum and teaching. It was graded as 'needs attention' in the other five areas assessed by Ofsted, the second lowest rating.
Low Achievement by Year 6
Ofsted raised particular concerns about the level of achievement by the time pupils reach Year 6. The report stated: 'Over the past three years, pupils’ achievement by the end of Year 6 has been very low. This pattern affects all groups of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with different starting points.' Inspectors concluded: 'Many pupils leave the school without the knowledge they need to be confident and well prepared for the next stage in their education.'
Leaders Taking Action
Despite the poor rating, Ofsted acknowledged that recently-appointed leaders have recognized the low achievement and have started to take appropriate action. They have introduced new approaches to close gaps in pupils’ knowledge across all year groups. However, inspectors noted that these actions are still at a very early stage and have not yet made the difference needed.
Ofsted said: 'His Majesty’s Chief Inspector is of the opinion that this school requires significant improvement because it is performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform.'
Impact on Parents
The school is situated in Edgbaston, which features leafy and affluent streets, and likely attracts children from more upmarket areas. Parents may be alarmed by the latest inspection report, which stated that George Dixon needed to make 'significant improvements'. The report shows that being located in an upmarket area does not always guarantee the highest educational standards.
