Wednesfield Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 February 2025

Wednesfield Academy is a highly inclusive school where everyone is valued and where expectations for pupils to achieve well are high. As a result, the majority of pupils work hard and achieve well. Pupils and staff embody the school's values of respect, resilience and pride. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Pupils speak positively about the support they receive from staff and enjoy their learning. Pupils feel safe and say they are happy in school. There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. Pupils focus on their learning well. The majority of pupils show respectful and positive behaviours during structured lesson times. During unstructured times, such as breaktimes and lunchtimes, they behave sensibly. If pupils lose focus in lessons or their behaviour is not acceptable, staff speak with them to explain the school's high expectations. This maintains the very positive behaviours around the school. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. This includes mental health and well-being. Pupils can clearly explain their understanding of diversity and equality in society. Leadership opportunities include sixth-form student literacy and numeracy mentors and pupil mental health ambassadors. Pupils regularly take part in activities such as Combined Cadet Force and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

What the school should improve

• Some staff do not consistently check pupils' understanding of what has been learned and what they can remember. As a result, some gaps in pupils' knowledge are not identified and addressed effectively, limiting their progress through the curriculum. The school should ensure that staff understand how to check pupils' learning and address any gaps or misconceptions.
• Some staff do not always promote and develop appropriate discussions between pupils. This means that some learning does not allow pupils to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. The school should ensure that, across all subjects, different approaches to learning, such as questioning to promote discussion, give pupils the opportunities to develop a greater depth of knowledge.

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