New Ofsted ratings for schools

Lapal Primary in Halesowen has achieved an Outstanding rating - while Hurst Green Primary in Halesowen, Corngreaves Academy in Cradley Heath and St Michael's CofE High School all achieved good ratings in reports published in March.

Hurst Green Primary on Narrow Lane kept its good rating with inspectors praising leaders who "have high expectations of all pupils."

They added: "They have created a culture where pupils are nurtured, feel safe and achieve well.

"Leaders ensure that reading is a high priority.

"Children in Reception begin learning phonics as soon as they start school."

The report, published on March 9, said it could improve by leaders ensuring "they carefully monitor the implementation of the curriculum to ensure that it matches what is being taught in lessons."

Corngreaves Academy in Cradley Heath (Image: Google)

Corngreaves Academy on Plant Street, Cradley Heath, was rated good for 'overall effectiveness,' 'quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development and leadership and management. Its early years provision was rated outstanding in the report published on March 24.

Inspectors said: "Leaders are ambitious and have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"Pupils realise these expectations and achieve well. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education."

They said it could improve as "leaders are still developing assessment systems in a small number of foundation subjects."

St Michael's Church of England High School, on Curral Road, Rowley Regis, was rated good in a report published March 14. Inspectors said: "Pupils are proud to attend this school and rightly so.

"Leaders’ high expectations, together with the school’s Christian ethos, have created a culture of mutual respect.

"Staff work hard to ensure that pupils feel safe and are successful in all aspects of school life."

They said the "curriculum in languages has greatly improved" and that "topics have been judiciously selected and leaders have ensured that over time, pupils develop their understanding of phonics, grammar and vocabulary."

It said the school could improve by "ensuring teachers consistently meet the needs and abilities of all pupils in their lessons."

Lapal Primary was rated outstanding in a report published on March 24.

Read more about the report here.