Well-led school maintains outstanding standards, say inspectors

A 'friendly and welcoming' Wolverhampton school remains 'outstanding' after Ofsted found it had taken effective action to maintain the high standards which were identified at its previous inspection.

Inspectors visited St Michael’s Church of England Aided Primary School last month and found that the 'very well-led and governed school provides pupils with a high-quality education'.

Whatever pupils’ experiences, backgrounds, aptitudes or difficulties, the school has 'high expectations for their achievement and behaviour', with a broad curriculum providing 'many opportunities to learn new things, both during and beyond the school day'. Pupils 'respond well to this, engage fully in school life, grow in confidence and achieve well'.

In his report, lead inspector Martin Pye noted St Michael's commitment to inclusion and ambition for all 'shines out in many ways', and in St Michael's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) unit, The Ark, pupils receive expert attention and are able to 'make the most of lessons'.

Across the school, subject leaders 'do their jobs well' and the curriculum is both 'well organised' and supports pupils’ personal development, with enrichment and extra-curricular activities enhancing the core offer. Meanwhile, the school’s values and a 'well-considered' personal, social, health and economic education programme serve pupils well, teaching them the difference between right and wrong and the importance of thinking of others.

Across the whole school, staff manage behaviour 'exceptionally well', with consistent expectations and routines and kind actions and encouraging words, 'supporting all to do their best'. The school’s rules are 'simple and well understood and help to keep everyone safe'. Pupils are 'well behaved, respectful and happy' and attendance is high.

Communication with parents is a strength and, in their comments to Ofsted, many praised the leadership, care, communication and quality of education provided. Meanwhile, staff expressed 'high levels of satisfaction with the workplace culture and the school’s ambition for all'.

Headteacher Kathryn Jackson said: “I am delighted that, once more, St Michael's has been recognised as outstanding for the four key inspection areas. This is a truly fabulous result and credit to the hard work and dedication of the children, staff, governors, carers, parents and partners.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is an outstanding report for St Michael’s Church of England Aided Primary School, and I would like to congratulate the headteacher, her staff, governors, pupils and parents on this overwhelmingly positive outcome."

Ofsted says that, from September 2024, graded inspections will no longer include an overall effectiveness grade. St Michael's was, however, previously judged outstanding for its overall effectiveness and was found to have 'taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at that previous inspection'.

Children from St Michael’s Church of England Aided Primary School celebrate their Outstanding inspection report with Headteacher Kate Jackson and Deputy Headteacher Helen-Marie Navratil.