The University of Birmingham School has been awarded a 'good' rating in its first official inspection from Ofsted, which took place in April 2018. The School, which opened in September 2015 as the only University Secondary Training School in the country, was commended by Ofsted for its character education programme, its inclusive approach, and close partnership with the University of Birmingham.
The University of Birmingham School has been awarded a 'good' rating in its first official inspection from Ofsted, which took place in April 2018.
The School, which opened in September 2015 as the only University Secondary Training School in the country, was commended by Ofsted for its character education programme, its inclusive approach, and close partnership with the University of Birmingham.
University of Birmingham School Principal Mike Roden said: ‘Having opened just three years ago, it is a real achievement for the University of Birmingham School to receive a ‘Good’ outcome in all categories.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, governors, our wonderful pupils and students and our parents and carers, for all the contributions that have been made to secure this validation of our distinctive educational programme.’
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, Professor Sir David Eastwood, said:
‘When the University of Birmingham established the School, we wanted to ensure it was a place of opportunity, a place of inclusivity, and a place where pupils could frame and find their ambition.
‘For these reasons, character education has been woven into everything the School does. Staff and pupils have worked tirelessly to create a vibrant learning community, inclusive for all, and I am pleased to see the value of this approach recognised and celebrated by the Ofsted inspection team.’
In its report, Ofsted highlighted the School’s bespoke ‘character education’ programme, supported by the Jubilee Centre of Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham. The inspectors reported that 'the development of a ‘character education’ programme has rightly received national and international acclaim. Leaders promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British values very well through the curriculum. This includes through ‘personal learning and development’ lessons.'
The inclusive approach of the School was also celebrated in the final report: 'Leaders have realised their vision for a highly inclusive intake in key stage 3. The school’s pupil intake draws on all parts of the city and a wide range of diverse backgrounds. It is very popular and oversubscribed. Leaders have established an ethos of respect and tolerance where diversity is celebrated. Disabled pupils can access all parts of the building and are fully integrated into school life.
'There is a strong culture of good relationships between pupils of different backgrounds. Pupils show respect for each other’s differences, whether by disability, ethnicity or social background.'
Ofsted recognised the value and depth of the partnership between the School and the University, and the report said: 'The close partnership with the University of Birmingham has led to significant additional investment and access to high-quality resources.'
The full report is available to view on the School’s website.
For more information and interview enquiries, please contact Rebecca Hume, Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)121 414 9041.
For out of hours media enquiries, please call: +44 (0) 7789 921 165
