AN Oldbury secondary school which was previously rated 'requires improvement' is celebrating its new rating from Ofsted.

Oldbury Academy has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted after an inspection in December.

The news has been met with pride by headteacher Philip Shackleton who said: "I would like to thank all members of our school community for working together to achieve this.

"I honestly believe this is just recognition for all of the work that has taken place at Oldbury Academy since the last full inspection in December 2017."

The Pound Road school, which has 1,388 pupils, is part of the Stour Vale Academy Trust.

Inspectors praised pupils saying "their behaviour in lessons and around the school site creates a calm atmosphere."

The Ofsted report states: "Teachers carefully plan what pupils should learn in lessons" and "special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported."

It states: "Teachers understand individuals’ needs and plan carefully to help them to learn."

It also praises Mr Shackleton saying: "The school is well led. The headteacher is committed to making sure pupils receive the best education possible.

"Able senior and middle leaders support him with this aim.

"All leaders in the school share the same ambition. They are committed to improving the school even more in the future. They work together to achieve this."

Rachel Salter, the CEO of Stour Vale Academy Trust, said: “As a member school, Oldbury Academy contributes greatly to the collective capacity of Stour Vale Academy Trust to offer the very best education and care to the pupils and communities we serve.

"I am delighted that this has now been officially recognised by Ofsted.”

Inspectors highlighted two areas which could be improved, saying "in a small number of subjects, the curriculum is not as well planned as it is in others" and that "too many pupils do not see the value of reading."