The whole school community is celebrating after Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East was rated as ‘outstanding’ in all areas in its first ever Ofsted inspection.
The report, published by Ofsted this week, follows an inspection at the school on 18 and 19 January 2023.
Ofsted inspectors awarded the school, which opened in September 2018, the highest rating of ‘outstanding’ in all areas, with no areas for improvement.
This success follows the school’s exceptional first set of GCSE results in the summer, with 77% of pupils awarded grade 9-5 in English and Maths, placing it amongst the highest performing schools in the country.
The report highlights many positive aspects of the school, noting that ‘pupils benefit from an exceptional education at Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy. Leaders and teachers share strong school values of service, teamwork, ambition and respect. These are woven throughout the school. Staff and pupils live out these values every day.’
As well as lavishing praise on the school’s staff, pupils were also commended for their commitment to learning. Inspectors concluded that ‘pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. Pupils move calmly and quickly around the site. In lessons, pupils happily meet their teachers’ very high expectations.’
The report added: ‘Pupils understand the importance of their academic work. They thrive in a wonderful working environment’. Inspectors also commended pupils’ attitudes to their work, stating that ‘pupils’ attitudes to learning are extremely impressive.’
The school’s focus on leadership, progress and wellbeing is also praised by the report, as it found that the school provides ‘a wide range of personal development opportunities available for pupils. Leaders plan these very well and pupils take these up enthusiastically.’
Other highlights of the report include:
- ‘Pupils receive an excellent education. They learn an ambitious academic curriculum.’
- ‘Senior leaders ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to succeed.’
- ‘Impressive outcomes are achieved by pupils.’
- ‘Teachers are passionate about their subjects.’
- ‘A mutually respectful ethos permeates the school. Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe. Staff work tirelessly to improve pupils’ life chances. They are highly successful in doing so.’
- ‘Pupils take great care when completing their work. Teachers use assessment well to check that pupils have understood everything they have been taught.’
- ‘Pupils with SEND receive exceptional support. These pupils follow the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Teachers skilfully adapt the approach they take to ensure pupils can succeed.’
- ‘Reading is a high priority across the school. Reading for pleasure is encouraged. Those who are behind in reading are supported and rapidly improve.’
- ‘Pupils’ positive behaviour plays a very strong part in supporting their learning.’
- ‘The development of pupils’ faith helps them to become tolerant, respectful, outward-looking citizens.’
- ‘All pupils receive a valuable careers education. All are encouraged to be ambitious in their plans for the future.’
- ‘Staff prepare pupils to become leaders of the future.’
- ‘Leaders prioritise pupils’ moral and spiritual development.’
- ‘The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.’
- ‘Leadership is exceptional at all levels.’
Akhmed Hussain, Principal at Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East, said:
“This report marks an important moment in the relatively short history of our school, with an outstanding judgment from Ofsted in our first inspection. This recognition is the result of the collective efforts of our staff, pupils, parents and governors, who have worked tirelessly to create a truly exceptional learning environment.
“I am incredibly proud to lead such a talented and supportive team, who display so much dedication and passion, and I am humbled by the trust that our families place in us.
“Every day, our staff go above and beyond to provide a rich and engaging curriculum, while our pupils show remarkable resilience and determination in their studies.
“Going forward, we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, and we will continue to work together as a community to ensure that our pupils receive the best possible education.”
To read the full inspection report, click here.