Rushey Mead Academy becomes the first in the Midlands to achieve ‘exceptional’ Ofsted judgements in every category

Rushey Mead Academy has become the first in the Midlands – and only the third in the whole country – to receive ‘exceptional’ judgements across every area of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.

The secondary school, which is part of The Mead Educational Trust, is now exceptional in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. Ofsted defines the grading as “Practice is exceptional: of the highest standard nationally. Other schools can learn from it.” Inspectors noted that “Pupils thrive at this inclusive and inspirational school. They are motivated to succeed by a culture of ambition and the highest expectations of all” and “The school provides a rich, high-quality education for all pupils, regardless of the barriers they face.”

Rushey Mead Academy is the only inner-city mixed comprehensive school in the country to achieve the highest ratings in every category. The inspection follows a four-year focus on thoroughly embedding genuine inclusion across all aspects of the school. This has been achieved through a whole school, forensic approach to ensuring all children are known as individuals and are able to feel a true sense of belonging. Leaders and staff work tirelessly to ensure every child is supported to succeed, with full access to the high-quality, ambitious curriculum, strong pastoral support, and a vast array of trips, experiences and enrichment opportunities. The school has also successfully opened and established a Designated Specialist Provision for children with communication and interaction needs.

Rushey Mead Principal, Vicky Barwell, says: “We are proud that Ofsted has recognised the determination, drive, and care with which our staff support, guide, and nurture our students at Rushey Mead Academy. We have been on a relentless drive to embed true inclusion in everything that we do, and I am pleased that the inspection report shows we have achieved this in a way that has also improved achievement for all, with this year seeing the school’s best ever GCSE results. The Rushey Family really is something very special, and this report reflects the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families. It also reinforces our continued commitment to giving all young people the very best opportunities to thrive.”

Inspectors noted that pupils are proud to be part of the ‘Rushey Family’ and they take part in a vast array of projects outside of school, including litter picking and conservation. The school also organises trips to universities and poetry competitions to provide cultural experiences. Leaders monitor participation and they listen to pupils’ interests to make sure there is something for everyone. Inspectors found that “Almost all pupils take part, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

The Ofsted report also praised the school’s leadership team and The Mead Education Trust, which it is part of. It states: “Leaders and staff are united in their determination. They work together so that all pupils, especially those with barriers to learning or who face challenging circumstances, leave the school with the knowledge and character to be successful and flourish… The multi-academy trust is a vital component in the school’s success.”

Sarah Ridley, Chief Executive Officer at The Mead Educational Trust adds: “We believe that every child deserves an excellent education, regardless of their starting point in life or the challenges that they face. Rushey Mead Academy is proof that exceptional outcomes and genuine inclusion can coexist and that this approach is changing young people’s lives for the better. We are extremely proud of everyone at the school and we hope that this report continues to give families great confidence in the exceptional opportunities, teaching, and sense of community at Rushey Mead Academy.”