Celebrations at St Peter's as academy rated Good by Ofsted

Staff and students at a rapidly improving secondary school are celebrating after it was judged Good by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited St Peter’s Collegiate Academy recently and, in their report published this week, found that pupils 'achieve well' thanks to consistent approaches to teaching and the curriculum which the school has put in place.

Leaders have undertaken careful adjustments to continue improving pupils’ education and exam results, and extensively developed the school's approach to teaching, ensuring higher levels of consistency across subjects – with pupils speaking positively to inspectors about the improvements which have been made.

Pupils 'know that the school’s expectations for their achievement and how they conduct themselves are high and consistent', and how the school lives up to its values of ‘respect, service and aspiration’. One pupil stated: "St Peter’s is a community which supports all pupils and provides a safe environment for us to learn.’

St Peter's is an 'inclusive school where pupils of all backgrounds are valued and welcome', and identifies the needs of students with special educational needs or disabilities 'with precision'.

Staff at the school, part of Three Spires Trust, check pupils’ reading ages carefully on entry, enabling 'effective support' to those who need to become more fluent readers, and there is further provision in place to encourage a love of reading.

The school has worked extensively to develop its sixth form, establishing a joint sixth form with another school in the trust which has contributed to students 'learning the curriculum in greater depth and being better prepared' for exams. Sixth formers are 'well guided in their choice of courses' and given 'useful guidance to inform and support them to access ambitious destinations'.

Attendance levels are high, and inspectors say the school is 'rightly proud of its extensive offer for pupils’ personal development', including clubs, visits and residentials.

Governors and trustees are 'ambitious for the school and its pupils', 'very well informed', and offer supportive challenge. Meanwhile, the trust has 'worked effectively with leaders to review and develop the school’s work', with staff speaking 'highly positively' of the changes which have been made.

Inspectors concluded that the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision at St Peter's Collegiate Academy are all Good. Previously, the school had been judged to require improvement.

Principal Timothy Mullen-Furness said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted has recognised the tremendous progress we’ve made as an academy.

“This report reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff, the positive attitudes of our students, and the strength of our wider community. St Peter’s continues to grow as a place where every student is welcomed, valued, and supported to fulfil their God-given potential. As we look ahead to our brand-new academy building, opening in January 2026, we remain committed to providing an exceptional education in a truly inclusive environment.”

Matt Jevons, Chair of Governors, added: “As both Chair of Governors and a parent at the school, I am fortunate enough to witness the unstinting dedication and professionalism of our staff every day. It is therefore extremely pleasing to see their efforts formally acknowledged in the inspection report and in the review meetings.“As parents, we entrust the school significantly to care for and educate our children, and this judgment reaffirms our faith in the school's long-term commitment to excellence.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is an excellent report which recognises the significant progress made at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, and it is a testament to the collective effort, resilience and ambition across the academy. I would like to congratulate Timothy and everyone at St Peter's on their continuing success."

Data shows that 97% of schools in Wolverhampton are currently rated either Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, the highest ever.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Tim Mullen-Furness, Principal, Matt Jevons, Chair of Governors, and pupils standing proudly in front of the new St Peter’s Collegiate Academy building, set to open in January 2026 and part of a major redevelopment programme transforming over 80% of the site.