The schools are judged to be the very best in the city
A select few Birmingham schools are rated outstanding.(Image: Getty Images)
A select group of primary schools in Birmingham currently hold the honour of being rated outstanding by Ofsted, the highest ranking possible from the education watchdog.
These are the primary schools considered to be the best in the city, and competition for places is likely high among parents trying to secure their children a place at a top school.
Schools where there are no specific concerns are generally inspected every few years by Ofsted.
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They are judged in a range of areas including learning, behaviour, attendance and management – and the very best have been given outstanding labels over recent years.
Previously, schools were awarded one of four possible grades from best to worst: outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.
This single-word grading system has now changed for English schools, though many still hold their ratings as inspections only happen every few years.
Primary schools are now graded across five different areas, so the very best can still be classed as outstanding in all areas.
These Birmingham primary schools are currently rated outstanding, according to Ofsted’s website. Independent or special schools are not included.
- Parkfield Community School, Saltley
- The Olive School, Small Health
- The Olive School, Reddings Lane
- Shaw Hill, Alum Rock
- St Michael’s CoE Academy, Handsworth
- Oasis Academy Foundry
- St John’s CoE, Sparkhill
- Harborne Primary
- Moor Green Primary, Moseley
- Dorrington Academy, Perry Barr
- Colmore Infants, Kings Heath
- Billesley Primary
- Lea Forest Primary, Kitts Green
- Chilcote Primary
- Wyndcliffe Primary, Bordesley Green
- Grove Vale Primary, Great Barr
- Nishkam Primary, Handsworth
- Prince Albert Junior and Infants, Aston
- Princethorpe Infants, Weoley Castle
- Montgomery Primary, Sparkbrook
The new Labour Government scrapped single-word judgements for schools last September, labelling them “harmful”.
The aim is to provide parents with more context about what is actually happening at schools and not leave schools lumbered with a damaging rating headteachers may feel is unjustified, potentially for years.
New school ‘report cards’ are due to be introduced later this year, replacing the old inspection system, in a bid to provide parents with a clearer overall picture of day-to-day goings on.