Thorns Collegiate Academy, in Brierley Hill, is pleased to announce the recent recognition of its efforts to improve student education and provision, following its Ofsted monitoring visit in November 2022.
The Ofsted report acknowledged the swift and significant changes made by the Academy, with the support of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, to address the weaknesses highlighted in the inspection report.
Following the previous inspection report of February 2022, “Trust leaders have acted swiftly. They have strengthened leadership and increased the capacity to bring about change.”
Examples of these changes include new appointments to the school leadership team, a new designated safeguarding leader and an experienced special educational needs co-ordinator and updated facilities.
The report also praised the Academy for its detailed plan to improve the quality of students’ education and addressing specific areas of weakness which “goes beyond simply refining existing plans.”
“You have focused on improving the quality of pupils’ education and addressing the specific areas of weakness identified during the previous inspection.”
Principal of Thorns Collegiate Academy, Mr Kelay, said: “We have made significant improvements since academisation in 2017, these improvements have resulted in better educational outcomes and are reflective of the tireless work from our staff in creating a positive change for our young people.
“Our drive to improve must be relentless and it is imperative that we provide our community with the best education, an education they deserve. I want our young people to leave Thorns with the skills to eventually enter the world of work, start an apprenticeship or go on to university. My staff and I are dedicated to making sure that we remove barriers to them achieving their dreams and giving them the best possible start in life.”
CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, Sir Mark Grundy, said: “Thorns Collegiate Academy is a valued member of our educational family and has undergone significant transformations, elevating its standards of education and creating a positive learning environment for its students.
“We are confident in Thorns’ ongoing progress and eagerly anticipate the outcome of its next Ofsted inspection, as it will reflect the hard work and dedication of the school’s leadership and staff.”
The Academy will be expecting another Ofsted monitoring visit in the next six months before anticipating a call announcing a full inspection.
