Telford secondary school upgraded from 'requires improvement' by Ofsted

Leaders at Ercall Wood Academy in Wellington have shared their delight after the school has been graded 'Good' throughout the board.

The secondary school, which is part of the Learning Community Trust, received a 'requires improvement' grading from Ofsted in 2022, but has been upgraded after displaying significant improvements during an inspection on January 14 and 15.

The academy's curriculum has been described as "broad and ambitious" for all 943 of its pupils.

Teachers at Ercall Wood Academy have been commended for their "strong" subject knowledge and for "appropriately" adapting their delivery of the curriculum to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Ofsted also praised the school for having high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. Behaviour systems are said to be "clear" and inspectors said there is "very little low-level disruption in lessons". 

Pupils are also said to gain "important life skills and experiences" through participation in extra-curricular activities such as the school's 'brilliant club' and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

A report published on February 14 added that relationships between pupils and staff are "warm", and said pupils are "respectful, kind and polite to each other and to visitors".

Ercall Wood principal, Nick Murphy is delighted with the report. 

He said: "I am incredibly proud of all involved in the inspection. Ercall Wood Academy is a thriving academy where students are happy, and safe to be truly aspirational and achieve their dreams. 

"Our values-driven culture and commitment to the development of the whole child shone through throughout our inspection with high praise also given to curriculums and teachers ability to support all learners. 

"All involved at the academy will continue to drive the academy onwards relentlessly guided by our values of 'empower, respect and aspire'."

Ercall Wood Academy is one of more than a dozen schools within the Learning Community Trust.

Deputy chief executive of the trust, Paul Roberts added: "We are really pleased to see that the great work happening at Ercall Wood Academy has now been formally recognised by Ofsted. 

"The inspecting team were extremely complimentary about the progress they saw in the academy, the quality of what they saw in the classrooms and the courteous and respectful behaviour of students. 

"Ercall Wood students are proud of their academy and rightly so - the Learning Community Trust is very proud of them too."

Ofsted said that 'life skills' sessions and the school's 'character development programme' give pupils a "secure understanding of fundamental British values and the school’s values". 

Inspectors added that the "majority" of pupils successfully move on to the next stage of education, employment or training. 

The report concluded: "Many parents and carers are happy with the care and education their children receive. Parents support the improvements that have taken place over the last two years. 

"Trust leaders, trustees and local governors work well with school leaders. They have an accurate understanding of what the school does well and any areas that need further strengthening."

The full Ofsted report can be read here.