North Birmingham Academy in Erdington has become the only secondary school in Birmingham to receive a rare 'exceptional' rating from Ofsted. The education watchdog praised the school's 'trailblazing' methods for maintaining high attendance levels.
Under the new inspection system introduced earlier this year, schools are graded across multiple areas rather than receiving a single overall grade. The 'exceptional' rating is reserved for standards judged to be the very best, and it is not handed out easily. Only a handful of schools in the region have earned this tag so far.
Impressive Achievement in Challenging Area
The achievement is particularly noteworthy given the school's location in inner-city Erdington, close to some of the more deprived parts of Birmingham. Inspectors highlighted that attendance at the academy is 'very high when compared with the national average for all pupils,' and that post-16 students attend equally well.
Ofsted's report noted: 'The school has sustained these exceptional standards of attendance over time. When the attendance of any pupil slips a little, leaders provide swift and effective support.' The school is already sharing its strategies with other providers.
Positive Behaviour and Environment
Inspectors also commended the school's behaviour standards, stating that suspensions are very low and that pupils consistently meet high behaviour expectations. Bullying and other prejudicial behaviour are rare, and lessons are not disrupted by poor behaviour. Pupils are described as 'consistently calm and orderly' when moving around the school.
This recognition places North Birmingham Academy at the forefront of the new Ofsted framework, with more top schools expected to be re-inspected under the new model in the future.
