Shireland Biomedical UTC has been praised by Ofsted for making clear and measurable progress following its recent monitoring inspection. Inspectors noted strong leadership, improvements in teaching, and a growing culture of ambition across the school.
The visit, part of Ofsted’s routine process for schools previously judged to require improvement, does not result in a new grade, but instead focuses on how effectively the school is addressing areas identified in the last inspection. Inspectors concluded that the school has made meaningful progress. Leaders are able to ‘confidently analyse and evaluate the quality of education provided’ and understand what further work is required to strengthen ‘robust’ quality assurance processes.
One of the most significant developments has been the changing and appointment of new staffing, including a new Principal, Vice Principal and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo). These key changes, alongside a revised staffing structure and newly appointed subject leaders in English and science, have brought renewed clarity, expertise and direction to the school.
Inspectors noted that the Academy had ‘reviewed the knowledge and training teachers need’, with staff now ‘increasingly confident about what they teach and how it needs to be taught.’ The school’s Literacy for Life curriculum was highlighted as being much better embedded across ‘all subject departments’, supported by structured teaching resources.
Support for students with additional needs has also been strengthened. Following a full review of classroom practice, the school has introduced weekly training sessions for staff, helping them develop effective strategies to support learners with a range of needs. Ofsted noted ‘a keen plan in place to develop staff’s expertise’, and praised techniques used to help break learning and tasks into more manageable steps.
The reading curriculum has also seen notable improvements, with students speaking ‘enthusiastically’ about reading in school. While further development is needed to tailored support to individual needs, the report acknowledged that the foundations for progress are in place.
Inspectors also highlighted the steps taken to improve how school leaders evaluate their impact. With support from the Trust and external experts, Shireland Biomedical UTC has introduced more rigorous systems for monitoring teaching and learning. Staff also benefit from opportunities to visit other schools within the Trust to share best practice and bring new ideas back to the classroom.
Beyond the academic curriculum, Ofsted commended the Academy’s personal development programme. Sixth-form students were especially positive about their involvement in the Give Back programme, which enables them to support lessons in Key Stage 3.
Safeguarding at the UTC was judged to be ‘effective,’ with clear systems in place to identify concerns early and act swiftly. The report highlighted the school’s ‘decisive and timely action to support vulnerable pupils,’ supported by well-planned and ongoing staff training.
Governance was also praised. Inspectors noted that trustees and governors ‘support and hold leaders to account effectively’ and are ‘well informed about the school’s development priorities.’ The report described the relationship between the Academy, the Trust and the local authority as both positive and purposeful.
Gulfam Shahzad, Principal at Shireland Biomedical UTC, said: “We are pleased that the hard work and commitment of our staff and the impact this is having on our students’ development is being recognised.
“This is a school that is growing in confidence and ambition, and we are committed to continuing to build on this progress as we continue to improve outcomes for every young person in our care.”
Sir Mark Grundy, CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, said: “This report recognises just how far Shireland Biomedical UTC has come in a short space of time. The leadership team has acted swiftly and decisively to lay the groundwork for long-term success, and we are already seeing the positive impact of those changes in the day-to-day experiences of students and staff.
“As a Trust, we are deeply committed to supporting the Academy on its journey – ensuring it continues to develop and deliver the highest quality of teaching and learning for its young people.”
The full Ofsted monitoring report is available to read on the Academy’s website.
