Grace Academy Darlaston

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Grace Academy Darlaston is a happy and calm place to be. Pupils behave well and are proud to do so. They move around the school respectfully and calmly. Typically, they are polite and kind to one another and have positive relationships with staff. If bullying occurs, staff deal with it effectively. This means that pupils feel safe and able to be themselves at school. In lessons, pupils apply themselves to their learning and achieve well. In national examinations and assessments, typically, pupils' achievement has been in line with national averages over time. Leaders and staff have high expectations that pupils will work hard, always reviewing and improving their work. They meet these expectations, generally listening carefully to their teachers, attending well and enjoying school. Pupils particularly enjoy the wide range of activities the school offers. Many gain a sense of achievement from supporting younger pupils to settle in and thrive. Leaders have developed an exciting array of wider activities and trips. These enliven the curriculum and develop pupils personally. Pupils take part in a great number of activities, and leaders ensure that any barriers to participation are addressed. Overall, pupils are well prepared for their next steps and for life in modern Britain. During their time in school, pupils learn to be increasingly self-motivated, taking responsibility for their own development. Where pupils struggle academically, teachers help them to keep up or catch up. Students in the sixth form have a mature approach to their studies. They act as role models to younger pupils and contribute to the school through volunteering. Students in the sixth form achieve well and are appropriately prepared for their next steps.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to develop teachers' skills in adapting their teaching to meet pupils' needs so that all are able to access the curriculum successfully and achieve well.
• Leaders should ensure that their agreed approaches to assessment are consistently applied throughout the school so that any gaps in pupils' knowledge are accurately identified and addressed.
• Leaders should continue working with a range of partners to further improve attendance, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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