Smestow Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 November 2025

There have been significant improvements at the school since it opened as Smestow Academy in January 2023. Pupils and staff speak about the culture shift that has happened and why they feel happy to come to school. This has contributed to the improvement in pupils' behaviour and attendance. This is a friendly, respectful community where pupils are able to be themselves. Pupils feel safe and are confident that any concerns they may have will be taken seriously because this is a 'telling school'. They value the support they receive, including in the 'support hub'. They are impressively open about topics that matter to them, for example the importance of looking after their mental health. Pupils who may face barriers to their learning and/or well-being know that the school will try to help them overcome these. This is especially the case for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are in the earlier stages of learning to speak English. Pupils have a positive attitude to their learning and are keen to do well. They are attentive in lessons and can get on with their tasks without disruption. Many pupils produce good-quality work and achieve examination results in line with national outcomes. Many pupils take up the extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities available to them. They appreciate that some of these take place before school as that makes it easier for them to attend. These activities and breakfast club mean that the school is buzzing from well before the bell rings. Many pupils take on leadership roles in the school because they know the importance of contributing to their community. They pride themselves on their charity fundraising, for example for BBC Children in Need. From Year 7 to Year 13, everyone is helped to become the best version of themselves.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff know the specific barriers disadvantaged pupils face in lessons and are able to support them effectively so that they achieve as well as they can.
• Leaders should ensure that all pupils secure the foundational writing and speaking skills needed to successfully apply and deepen their learning across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that all staff confidently and consistently make changes and adaptations to planned learning, including making adjustments 'in the moment', in response to how well pupils have understood their learning.

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