Walsall Studio School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 March 2025

Walsall Studio School is a place where everyone is valued and included. Pupils understand and follow the 'MAGIC' ethos, which includes 'motivation', 'aspiration' and 'grit'. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Most pupils work hard and achieve well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). For some pupils, the school's high aspirations have not been achieved fully, but all pupils say this is a positive environment to learn in. There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. During lessons and unstructured times, such as breaktimes and lunchtime, most pupils behave sensibly. Where pupils' behaviour is not acceptable, staff speak quickly and efficiently with these pupils to explain the school's high expectations. Pupils are safe. They know who to talk to about any concerns they may have. The school places a strong emphasis on supporting pupils' personal development, including their mental health and well-being. Leadership opportunities for pupils include sixth-form students mentoring younger pupils in lessons such as music. These opportunities help students understand how to be responsible. Pupils regularly take part in additional activities around dance, music recording and show rehearsals. These opportunities significantly enhance pupils' learning of the curriculum and prepare pupils well for the next stage of their careers.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the school does not make sure that teachers check carefully enough that all pupils understand and remember what has been learned. This means that, sometimes, teachers do not help pupils fully understand the necessary knowledge as effectively in some subjects as others. The school should ensure that all teachers check and act on gaps in pupils' understanding well so pupils understand and remember the key knowledge they need.
• The school has not fully developed its support for pupils who struggle to read or the opportunities that promote wider reading in school. As a result, some pupils do not have the precise support they need to improve their reading, and some pupils do not read widely and regularly enough. The school should strengthen its support for pupils who struggle to read and develop wider opportunities for pupils to read regularly.
• Some pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, miss too much school. This holds back pupils' progress and achievement. The school should continue its work with parents and external agencies to secure more regular attendance for all pupils.

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