St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy, located in the heart of Handsworth, Birmingham, has recently achieved the prestigious Outstanding rating from Ofsted in the face of tremendous adversity.
In September 2021, only 3 and a half years ago, the primary school was rated as Requires Improvement. However, under the leadership of new headteacher Philip Hynan, and support of the Birmingham Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust, the school has been completely transformed. When he started, Mr Hynan stated that the school was suffering from,
“reputational damage, falling pupil numbers, a high turnover of staff and a concerning lack of confidence within the community”.
Recognising the immense challenges many at the school face, Mr Hynan worked with the staff team through a new vision, updated values, opening the school to the local community and revamping the curriculum. Daniel Martin, Deputy Headteacher who joined in September 2021, stated that,
"Having been born and raised in Handsworth, St. Michael's is a personal mission to bring an outstanding quality of education to a community that means so much to me.”
The vision of headtecher, Philip, and dedication of his staff team was witnessed by Ofsted inspectors in their inspection last month. The inspection was led by His Majety’s Inspector of Schools, Kirsty Foulkes who stated,
“An abundance of love, care and ambition are evident across this school. Whether you are speaking to pupils, staff or parents and carers, the message is the same:
‘We live, love and learn together as a family and as a community.’ The school is transforming the lives of families and pupils.”
The school not only supports its pupils but also their families and the wider community through providing a range of services and enrichment activities. These include a food cupboard, urban farm, community allotment, free countryside retreats, and a range of other opportunities. The school also offer a monthly supper club for families and friends, with over 100 members of the local community attending to break bread together.
Mr Hynan is excited by the future for St Michael’s to work in service for pupils, families and local communities in Handsworth. He recognises that,
“many people write-off areas like this, but we see peoples’ strengths and we try and cultivate that with love, given our faith-inspired and values led approach to education”.
Governor Shuranjeet Singh emphasises the impact on the local community, saying that,
“many people in the local community see the positive work of St Michael’s and it has a real influence”.
Following the successful Ofsted report the school was visited by the new Bishop of Birmingham, Dr. Michael Volland. St Michael’s was the first school that he has visited in the City since his installation in March this year. Bishop Michael was struck by the quality of work being produced by pupils and the school’s commitment to developing the whole child and supporting families.
St. Michael’s CE Primary Academy is part of Birmingham Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust, joining in 2017. More information about the Trust can be found here.
More about St Michael’s can be discovered through their website.