Our rapid improvement journey
Over the last two years Birchensale has been on a clear and determined path of improvement. Following a challenging Ofsted report in 2023, we’ve taken swift action to rapidly improve the quality of education and whole school experience we deliver for our pupils.
The impact of these improvements is now being seen across the school in terms of improved academic outcomes, rising attendance, a calmer school environment and increased extra-curricular opportunities for pupils.
This progress has been noted and praised by Ofsted Inspectors during our regular monitoring visits.
Ofsted will carry out a full inspection of the school at some point before July 2026 so we can receive the official grades which will confirm how far the school has come.
You can visit the Birchensale Middle School Ofsted page to view the monitoring reports for yourself, including our most recent visit in June 2025.
Below is a summary of the changes we have made to drive improvements throughout the school.
Stronger Leadership, Clearer Vision
We now have a committed leadership team with a clear focus on high standards, consistency, and care. Staff roles and responsibilities have been strengthened, ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals. Subject leadership has been restructured in line with the our clear vision for the quality of education.
A Better Curriculum That Works for Our Pupils
We’ve reviewed and restructured our curriculum to make sure it’s ambitious, well-organised, and suited to our pupils’ needs. Children are now getting a more consistent learning experience, with higher expectations and better support to help them succeed. Ofsted noted in their June 2025 monitoring visit pupils are learning more and remembering more over time.
Reading at the Heart of School Life
Reading is now a key priority across the school. Subject time has been rebalanced to create more time for reading including dedicated reading lessons. There has been a particular focus on reading in Years 7 and 8. Pupils are receiving more targeted reading support, and we’ve created a positive reading culture that encourages confidence and enjoyment — especially for those who need extra help.
Higher Standards in the Classroom
Teaching is more focused and effective. Pupils are expected to work hard, present their work with pride, and engage fully in their learning. Writing has improved across the school, and presentation now reflects the higher standards we’ve set.
Better Support for Pupils Who Need It Most
Significant work has been done to ensure all pupils – particularly those with special educational needs – get the right support. Our SEND register has been reviewed and updated, with new processes put in place around assessment and referral. This has been externally scrutinised to ensure we are getting this right. Reviews of pupils with education, health and care plans are almost complete and there has been an increased emphasis on involving pupils and parents in the process. Revised training has been delivered to teaching assistants and teachers have clear information on adaptations to learning and support for pupils with SEND. Ofsted noted in their June 2025 monitoring visit that the changes mean ‘pupils with SEND are increasingly learning the curriculum as you intend.’ We have recruited a new SEND and inclusion lead to drive further improvements in this area so we can more effectively identify needs and match teaching to each pupil.
Positive Behaviour, Better Attendance
Behaviour expectations are now clearer and more consistent, helping create a calm and focused learning environment. Effective monitoring and interventions have been introduced to tackle non-attendance. With the support of parents, our attendance is now at national levels and we have risen from the bottom 30% of schools in September 2023 to the top 18% for attendance as of this year. Attendance for vulnerable pupils is not as high as the rest of the school but Ofsted noted in their June 2025 monitoring visit ‘the gap is closing’ thanks to the support we are putting in place.
Safeguarding Is Strong
Our safeguarding team has been restructured with significant and systems are secure, well embedded and understood by staff across the school. There is extensive partnership working with other organisations where necessary, and staff have high levels of vigilance. Pupils say they feel safe, understand who to approach with worries and are confident the school would act appropriately.
Strengthened links with parents
We’ve worked hard to boost links with parents who are an important part of our school community. There are a range of opportunities for parents to get involved with school life including joining in school events like sports day at the Abbey Stadium, achievement assemblies, workshops and presentations.
Looking ahead
We are proud of how far we’ve come as a school – but we’re even more excited about where we’re going.
Our improvement journey is not yet complete. There is more work to do around ensuring improvements are delivered consistently across school and support for SEND pupils, but the direction is clear and momentum is strong.
Birchensale is on the rise and we’re well on the way to achieving our vision of building a school where every pupil can thrive.