Great Wyrley Academy Announces Ofsted Success Following Transformational Journey at the School
6th February 2023
Staff and students at Great Wyrley Academy in South Staffordshire are celebrating Ofsted success after the school achieved ‘good’ in all areas following its recent inspection (11-12 January). The secondary school, which was deemed ‘inadequate’ at its last inspection in 2016, was praised by inspectors for the “significant transformation” it has undergone since joining Windsor Academy Trust in 2018.
In response to the school’s rapid improvement, inspectors commended headteacher, Kelly Moore, who, supported by leaders from across the trust, is overseeing the transformation of the school. They recognised Mrs Moore’s leadership in galvanising staff to share her ambitious vision for pupils and the school’s curriculum.
In addition, the report acknowledged the “impressive” work carried out by leaders across the school to understand students’ day-to-day experiences both in and out of school. As a result, inspectors commented that pupils feel empowered to share concerns about a whole range of issues, from race to gender identity, and this is helping to shape the education of other pupils in these vital areas.
The school’s culture for reading was also highlighted in the report, with inspectors noting that pupils read a wide range of books that have been carefully curated by leaders. Furthermore, inspectors praised the school for the work it is doing to help those pupils struggling to read, describing the support in place as “notable”.
Commenting on the findings of the Ofsted report, headteacher, Kelly Moore, said:
“Since joining Windsor Academy Trust in 2018, Great Wyrley Academy has been on a real journey of transformation. While it hasn’t been an easy journey, we can now proudly say that our school is ‘good’ in all areas.
“I am particularly pleased that inspectors recognised how happy and safe our students feel when at school, and the strong relationships our young people are building with both their peers and their teachers. We work incredibly hard to foster a positive attitude towards learning so that when our young people walk out of our school gates for the very last time, they will leave as the very best versions of themselves, with the best possible outcomes, and an incredibly bright future ahead of them.”
Dan Owen, Director of Secondary Education at Windsor Academy Trust, added:
“I am exceptionally proud that Great Wyrley Academy has been recognised for the high quality education it offers. Since joining the trust, the school has gone from strength to strength, despite the additional challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As the Ofsted report acknowledges, a great deal of thought and effort has gone into making this happen. A culture of excellence is now embedded in every aspect of school life and it is hugely rewarding to see Ofsted recognise both the hard work of our staff and the pride our pupils and parents have in our school.”