Ofsted rates Walsall primary school part of England’s largest federation as ‘outstanding’

Beacon Primary School, which is the founding member of Walsall’s – and England’s - largest federation has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, following an inspection in February this year.

The school, on Davis Road, Willenhall, has been described as a school where pupils are ‘excited and enthusiastic to attend’ in a report written by Ofsted inspectors.

Beacon formed The Lighthouse Federation in 2021. The federation is a group of nine schools in the borough of Walsall, with a workforce of 500 staff who teach a combined 3000 children. A federation allows schools to unite under one governing body, where they can benefit from collaboration and centralise key services.

Beacon Primary School’s recent inspection is an improvement on its last full inspection in 2017, which rated ‘good’, and follows a school inspection in 2022, where inspectors outlined the school’s potential to become ‘outstanding’.

The report outlines the positive pupil experience at the school and explains “…They [pupils] are very proud and openly say they ‘love their school’. They know and appreciate that their school has an environment that is unlike others. The school works hard to ensure that it is an oasis of aspiration, opportunity, curiosity and enthusiasm. In addition, leaders pay serious attention to ensuring pupils develop real-life skills and receive a high-quality education.”

Mr Drew, Executive Head Teacher of the federation, and Mrs Chandler, Head Teacher of Beacon were delighted with the news, and said, “This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication that the staff at Beacon have shown over many years. 

“We are proud to lead such a wonderful school with delightful children and families who have worked collaboratively with us to help achieve this amazing result.  We know that Beacon is a different and unique school and is often described as a wonderland. Over many years, the school has been transformed and the learning environment is like no other with magic around every corner that transports pupils to different places at every turn.  

“As identified by Ofsted, the range of wider curriculum opportunities on offer to our children and the experiences that they receive to help them develop their characters and broaden their horizons is phenomenal and clearly shows the commitment that the wonderful staff have for Beacon and its wider community”. 

Sharon Kelly, Director for Access and Inclusion at Walsall Council said, “Congratulations to all those at Beacon Primary School and The Lighthouse Federation for this fantastic achievement. 

“To be rated ‘outstanding’ is recognition of the hard work of all those involved who show such commitment to make pupils’ school experience the best it can possibly be.

“This news will no doubt be well-received by the entire school community, and it’s great to hear that the children at this school are having an experience they are proud of and are learning all about how to grow and become responsible citizens in the future.”

You can read the full report here https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/131580

Find out more about Beacon Primary School and The Lighthouse Federation on its website: https://www.lighthousefederation.com/