Grace Academy in Coventry set to join new trust amid difficulties - The Coventry Observer

Grace Academy in Coventry set to join new trust amid difficulties

Coventry Editorial 22nd Jan, 2019 Updated: 22nd Jan, 2019   0

GRACE Academy in Coventry is set to change hands when it joins the Tove Learning Trust (TLT) following difficulties.

The Grace Academy Trust has schools in Coventry, Solihull and Wednesbury and will now join a multi-academy trust.

The academy in Wigston Road was rated Inadequate by national watchdog Ofsted last February but the Solihull site was judged Good in March 2017.

The academy says it has been working with TLT to develop teaching and learning provision and, as a result, performance standards have been increasing.




TLT is a multi-academy trust (MAT), grown out from Sponne School in Towcester.

In response to questions from The Observer Grace Academy said the move was not related to performance.


Jamie Clarke, chief executive officer of Grace Academy and TLT said:”The recommendation to transfer to TLT was an internal governance decision and was not at the request of the Department for Education or related to the performance of Grace Academy Coventry, where Ofsted has recognised that standards are beginning to rise after an inspection in December 2018.

“Ofsted highlighted that staff at Grace Academy Coventry are committed to providing the quality of education pupils deserve and new Principal, Anu Monga, was praised in the report for: ‘…building a team of leaders and teachers who share her vision and have the skills to deliver it.’

“With a full complement of well-qualified staff, improved methods of assessment and accountability, and an understanding of the knowledge base of every individual student, we are confident that students at Grace Academy Coventry are on the right track to make the required level of progress.

“The transfer to TLT will also bring positive benefits for Grace Academy Solihull’s staff and students who will have more opportunities for personal development as part of a larger, school-centred multi-academy trust which has a teaching school providing excellent Continuing Professional Development for staff.

“While the move requires final DfE approval, there is strong support for the transfer and, if formal consultation proceeds as planned, the transfer is likely to occur on April 1.”

In a statement, the academy said there will be no other changes to leadership, name or admission numbers planned at Grace Academy Solihull.

In a letter following Ofsted’s latest visit, inspectors noted there had been ‘substantial changes in staffing’ with most current members of the middle leadership team, including heads of subjects, joining the school since Easter 2018.

It also stated there were more teachers due to start in January this year.

The biggest change was the school’s ethos ‘If it’s not good enough for my own children, then it’s not good enough for anyone else’s’, the report said.

Since the last inspection it was noted teachers generally, follow the school’s policies closely so pupils have a more consistent experience between classes and subjects but there are some teachers who still do not know how to apply the policies effectively.

In a letter to parents on the Solihull school’s website “Our main sponsors, Lord and Lady Edmiston, are spending less time in the UK as they step back from their business interests.

“Personal circumstances have changed for another key trustee. This has led to Grace Academy board (members and trustees) taking the decision to transfer to TLT.

“Now is a good time for Grace Academy to secure this trend of improvement.”

Parents were also informed in the letter they can share their views with the DfE by emailing [email protected] by February 5.

Advertising

Advertise with the Coventry Observer to reach your audience

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Coventry Observer.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Coventry Observer newspaper.