Birmingham primary school named one of the best in the city in new Ofsted report

It was once a failing school noted by inspectors as ‘not well organised’ nor ambitious enough to improve pupils’ learning. Now, four years on, Green Meadow Primary School in Selly Oak is celebrating having been labelled as one of the best in Birmingham.

The school has been given a five-star rating by Ofsted who have officially declared it outstanding. The report, published yesterday (Thursday, November 16), reads: “The atmosphere in school is supportive, friendly and welcoming of all. In the words of several parents and carers, ‘The staff go above and beyond to help the pupils here.’”

Lead inspector Gareth Morgan also explained how pupils are “proud and excited to talk about their learning”, while children “behave well and treat one another kindly. This is because they learn a great deal about how to behave, mutual respect and equality,” he added. “There are clear rules and high expectations of everyone.”

Last time out, though, in 2019, Ofsted declared Green Meadow as a school that required improvement. “The curriculum is not planned as it should be,” the report read. Bullying was also highlighted by the school’s pupils at the time while Ofsted explained how pupils enjoyed ‘hot chocolate Fridays’ as a reward for good behaviour. Some of the teachers were also new at the time of the inspection (October 2019).

However, fast-forward to 2023 and Green Meadow and its headteacher Janine Arrowsmith have been given a glowing rating, while praise was also directed towards teachers of those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Ofsted continued: “Leaders at all levels share a highly ambitious vision for this school. They have high expectations and a passion to provide the absolute best for every single pupil. They put their plans into action, enabling the school to go from strength to strength.”

Green Meadow Primary School, which is part of the Excelsior Multi Academy Trust,has 401 children on its roll aged between four and 11. The latest outstanding report was based on a two-day visit in September as inspectors Gareth Morgan, Pete Hines and Kerri James held meetings with the headteacher and other senior leaders, delved into the curriculum while also speaking to parents at the school gates.