In its first Ofsted inspection since joining Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust in 2021, Lightwoods Primary Academy has achieved a good rating with outstanding features.
The education watchdog rated the Oldbury primary school as good, the second highest rating, following an inspection last month. Inspectors highlighted the outstanding standard of a number of areas including behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.
During the inspection, conducted in May 2024, Ofsted highlighted the Academy’s calm and nurturing learning environment, where pupils demonstrated a strong commitment to learning from early years onwards and exemplary behaviour described as ‘praiseworthy’.
The inspection report said that at Lightwoods children make the ‘most of every moment’ while teachers expertly deliver a ‘broad’ and ‘rich’ curriculum that extends beyond academics. Described as ‘challenging’ and ‘engaging’, the report says that the curriculum provides diverse opportunities for young learners to explore and develop their passions both inside and outside of the classroom. It also said that the curriculum is enhanced by the Academy’s ‘strong’ and ‘positive’ reading culture, which nurtures pupils’ love of reading from the moment they start school.
Ofsted said that pupils requiring extra support are ‘quickly’ identified and provided with tailored support. Staff regularly receive training and ‘expert’ guidance to ensure they have a ‘clear understanding’ of learners’ needs and ‘effective’ support put in place, with Ofsted noting that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities ‘do very well’.
Rob Matthews, Principal at Lightwoods Primary Academy, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved such a positive outcome in our first inspection since joining the Trust, which is a result of the dedication and hard work demonstrated daily by our staff, pupils and entire school community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support of Lightwoods, without whom this would not be possible.
“While celebrating our success, we remain committed to providing the best possible education and support for our pupils and families.”
Ofsted commended the school’s leadership for its effective management and strategic planning, which fosters a culture centred around the ‘highest expectations’, supported by robust systems.
The report stated that leaders seize ‘every opportunity’ to provide regular professional development for staff, enabling them to ‘excel’ in their roles.
Sir Mark Grundy, CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, said: “We are immensely proud of Lightwoods Primary Academy’s accomplishments, which reflect the collaborative efforts of its entire school community. At Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, we strive to provide an environment where every young learner can thrive and exceed expectations. Lightwoods Primary Academy embodies this mission through its relentless dedication to academic excellence, fostering a love of learning and nurturing pupils’ development.
“As we look to the future, we are proud to support Lightwoods Primary Academy in its continued growth and innovation, ensuring pupils are happy and well-prepared.”
