Tudor Grange Academy Worcester celebrates Ofsted’s recognition of its “inclusive and friendly” culture and “strong sense of belonging”

Tudor Grange Academy Worcester has been on a considerable journey since its beginning in 2009. Prior to 2009, the predecessor school had a long history of struggling to provide a calm and orderly learning environment where children felt safe, with adequate support in place to help them to achieve. It was considered a failing school and on the point of closure. Due to its long track record of working effectively in collaboration with other schools, Tudor Grange Academy Solihull was asked to step in and sponsor the school. The partnership began and Tudor Grange Academies Trust – and, simultaneously, Tudor Grange Academy Worcester – were born.

Today, Tudor Grange Academy Worcester is a safe and vibrant school that has been over-subscribed year on year. The transformation of this school is a testament to the strength of groups of schools working together to secure sustainable improvement.

Although Ofsted is just one measure of success for any school, TGAW and the wider Trust are delighted with the outcome of their recent inspection, where the majority of its inclusive provision was graded outstanding. This external validation is an important landmark for the school community and Trust, who have worked so hard together to build a culture of belonging. The opening paragraph of Ofsted’s inspection report, therefore, is poignant and a testament to the continuous hard work and deep-rooted values that every child truly matters:

“The school is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that every pupil can succeed, providing tailored support for those who require it. The vision of being ‘determined and ambitious for every child’ is evident throughout the school. The school community works together with dedication to help every pupil succeed, both academically and in building pupils’ character.” Ofsted report October 2024

In response to the report, Principal David Butler, who has led the school since 2019, commented: “I am incredibly proud of everyone involved. There are many measurements of success, especially in education, but we are delighted to receive this external endorsement from Ofsted.

“As a school and a Trust, we are steadfast in our commitment to always putting the needs of the child first and foremost. For our children and young people, their sense of identity and the role they play as part of a bigger team is one of the most important elements of their education here at TGAW. All of the staff at Tudor Grange Worcester are dedicated to helping children feel wanted, loved and valued, that goes without saying. But it’s more than that – our children need to feel they are contributing and that their actions are important and valued. We are fortunate to be part of a wider family of schools and we all benefit from this collaboration. For us, our close relationship with local primary school, Tudor Grange Academy Perdiswell, ensures that our youngest children who arrive in year 7 are already familiar with our environment and our Tudor values. This seamless transition has also helped us to compound our culture of ‘belonging’ and this has undoubtedly been the most rewarding part of this school’s journey. We are delighted that this was highlighted in our report.

“We have also worked extremely hard to improve our sixth form provision, and to ensure we are providing our young people with all the skillsets and experiences they need to enable them to succeed in whatever they choose to do. I’m pleased that this improvement and our ongoing work in this area was also recognised by Ofsted:

“Older pupils are excited about their next steps, knowing they have been well-prepared to move forward with confidence. Whether heading to sixth form, starting an apprenticeship, or pursuing university studies, they are ready to embrace their future. Many look forward to earning a spot on the alumni ‘wall of fame’, eager to celebrate their accomplishments and stay connected to the school community.” Ofsted report October 2024

This positive external evaluation is a testament to the collective effort of our entire school community, and it has given us all a boost to know that we are on the right path and to continue striving for even greater success as we work to support each child’s individual potential.”

Since sponsoring Tudor Grange Academy Worcester, Tudor Grange Academies Trust has grown to a family of thirteen thriving academies, all of which are on significant journeys of their own. It is being part of this strong group that has sustained the improvements at TGAW and across the Trust.

Claire Maclean, CEO at Tudor Grange Academies Trust, said: “I am extremely proud of the recent Ofsted inspection report for Tudor Grange Academy Worcester, what a wonderful journey this school has been on. It has deservedly received recognition for the outstanding features that are serving the children so well. Who would not want to send their child to a school like this?

 ‘The school aspires to offer a transformative experience for its pupils, and for many it achieves this goal. Pupils feel genuinely cared for in this friendly, inclusive school. They know that trusted adults keep them safe and will act swiftly to help them if they have any worries. Pupils are encouraged to take full advantage of the distinctive opportunities available to nurture their talents and expand their horizons. As one pupil explained, ‘There is something for everyone here.’ (Ofsted report October 2024)

“We are so fortunate to be part of a team that shares an understanding of what truly matters. As a trust, our mantra is simply to be ‘determined and ambitious for every child’ and I’m heartened that Ofsted inspectors saw this evidenced so fervently at TGAW. All children need and deserve to feel loved and cared for and its vital that we understand our children and their families. There are significant challenges in every school, but it is our moral duty to provide safe, nurturing and aspirational environments where everyone can achieve.”