AldridgeUTC@MediaCityUK

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 22 February 2023

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, choose to join this school to experience a specialist, technical curriculum. They told inspectors that they feel happy and well supported. Many pupils said that they had begun to thrive since joining the school. Leaders set high expectations for all pupils' learning and behaviour. There is a strong focus on ensuring that pupils behave professionally in all that they do. Most pupils embrace this approach. They said that behaviour has improved considerably in recent years. They behave with respect and maturity, both in school and when working with employer partners. Most pupils engage enthusiastically in their learning. They achieve well in their academic and technical subjects. Pupils respect difference and diversity among their peers. They are confident that adults will help and support them if they have worries or concerns. Leaders deal effectively with incidents of bullying or discrimination. This helps pupils to feel safe. Pupils benefit from the many opportunities that leaders provide for them to nurture and develop their specific interests and skills in the media industry. They have regular exposure to industry experts through well-thought-out assemblies, workshops and work placements. Pupils have opportunities to engage in real-life projects and productions. These help pupils to develop their technical and creative skills as part of, and in addition to, their curriculum.

What the school should improve

• Several pupils who join the school with persistently low attendance still do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they do not benefit from all that the curriculum has to offer. Leaders should ensure that they further develop their strategies to reduce pupils' rates of absence, particularly those pupils who are persistently absent.
• The support that leaders provide for pupils who have gaps in their reading knowledge is underdeveloped. This means that a small number of pupils do not receive the help that they need to read fluently. Leaders should improve the support that they provide for these pupils. This is so that they can catch up quickly with their reading, in line with their peers.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)