Two of the best primary schools in the West Midlands are situated in one of the worst areas for child poverty in the country. Goldsmith Primary Academy and Reedswood E-ACT Academy, both in Walsall, have defied the odds to achieve exceptional Ofsted ratings, showcasing how schools can punch above their weight despite significant challenges.
The schools were recently handed exceptional ratings by Ofsted, the highest possible grades schools can receive when assessed in certain areas. These ratings are only handed out rarely when inspectors believe standards are essentially as high as they can be. In fact, they are the only primaries in the West Midlands to have been given new exceptional ratings since a new Ofsted inspection system was launched earlier this year.
The performance of Goldsmith and Reedswood is all the more remarkable given their location in and around the north of Walsall. This area, which includes parts of the town like Bloxwich, has one of the worst child poverty rates in the country. It has also had major issues with youth crime. Some 42% of children in the Walsall and Bloxwich parliamentary constituency live in poverty, according to latest figures. This is the joint-10th highest level in the country.
Local poverty rates mean the schools have the odds stacked against them. Kids are likely to face more severe challenges and some may arrive at school in the morning having not had breakfast. Despite this, both schools have achieved exceptional results.
Goldsmith Primary Academy
Goldsmith, in Bloxwich, was rated exceptional for inclusion; leadership and governance; and personal development, and wellbeing at a recent inspection. Ofsted said: "The school creates an exceptional culture of inclusion that transforms pupils’ experiences and outcomes." The exceptional personal development programme transforms pupils’ character and raises their aspirations. Leaders place pupils’ wellbeing at the heart of the school’s ethos. Pupils feel exceptionally well supported and play a central role in the school’s inclusive culture, showing respect and acceptance of each other’s unique qualities. Pastoral support is second to none.
Reedswood E-ACT Academy
Reedswood, not far from the town centre, rated exceptional for achievement; leadership and governance; and personal development and wellbeing. Pupils' exam results are said to be "significantly higher than average." Inspectors said: "Whatever their starting points, pupils at this school make remarkable progress. Year after year, pupils’ progress and attainment in national tests and assessments are significantly higher than average." The quality of leadership at this school is superb. Year after year, leaders have driven continual improvement across all areas of the school’s work.
These schools demonstrate that with strong leadership, inclusive culture, and dedicated pastoral support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome to provide exceptional education.
