Alvechurch CofE Middle School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

This is a good and improving school. Pupils feel safe and happy here, enjoy their learning and are achieving well. Parents agree.

Pupils' attainment is consistently above average at the end of Key Stage 2 and Year 8. They make good progress as they move through the school. Improvements in achievement have been driven by senior leaders introducing systems that now accurately identify the progress pupils are making.

Teachers use this system well to match teaching to the needs of pupils. Teaching is typically good and sometimes outstanding; it is characterised by high expectations and challenge. Behaviour and safety are outstanding... because pupils' attitudes to learning are consistently positive and their behaviour, both in and out of lessons, is exemplary.

The school has recently experienced a very difficult period in its history but, due to the clarity of purpose shown by the headteacher and her team, it has remained focused on the well-being and progress of pupils as well as supporting children, their families and the wider school community. Leadership and management at all levels are good, the curriculum is creative and there are good opportunities for pupils beyond lessons. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Recent rapid improvements in pupil progress are not yet sustained over time.

The most able pupils are making good progress but they are capable of achieving more.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized middle school though smaller than most secondary schools. It serves the village of Alvechurch and the surrounding area.

Most pupils are of White British heritage but a very small proportion come from minority ethnic backgrounds. The numbers of pupils eligible for free school meals is very low and the school has a very stable population. A smaller than average number of pupils is eligible for the pupil premium.

An above average number of pupils are supported by a statement of special educational needs or at school action plus. The proportion of pupils supported by school action is lower than average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.