Shireland CBSO Academy in West Bromwich has been praised as a ‘unique and special place’ by Ofsted, achieving five Strong Standard judgements in its first inspection since opening in 2023.
The Academy, part of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, was judged to be operating above Ofsted’s expected standards in five key areas: Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing.
Achievement and Post-16 Provision both met the expected standard, while inspectors confirmed that safeguarding standards were met. The findings mean that the Academy has met or exceeded expectations in every area of its first inspection under Ofsted’s new framework.
Inspectors praised the Academy’s ambitious curriculum, describing teaching as being of a ‘consistently high quality across subjects and year groups, including the sixth form. They highlighted the expertise of teachers, the carefully planned curriculum and the support provided to ensure all students can succeed.
The report also recognised the Academy’s positive culture, describing students as ‘articulate, polite and respectful’ and highlighting the ‘real sense of belonging and community’ experienced by young people.
Behaviour was praised, with inspectors finding that lessons were ‘consistently free from disruption’, while attendance across all groups of students was ‘consistently above the national average’.
The Academy’s commitment to inclusion was another significant strength. Inspectors recognised how staff identify barriers to learning quickly, provide effective support and work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Pastoral support was described as ‘deep and systematic’.
Central to the Academy’s distinctive approach is its partnership with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). The school is the first of its kind to have been established in partnership with an orchestra, with every student benefiting from instrumental or vocal tuition.
Inspectors highlighted the wider benefits of this partnership, including opportunities for students to develop skills such as collaboration, perseverance and confidence. They also praised the breadth of experiences beyond music, including an extensive enrichment programme and ‘highly effective’ careers education.
Mr David Green, Principal at Shireland CBSO Academy, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this outcome, particularly as a school that opened just three years ago. It is a wonderful recognition of the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm and commitment of our students, and the trust that families have placed in us from the very beginning.
“Our ambition has always been to create something special, combining an excellent academic education with exceptional opportunities that help young people discover their talents and develop the confidence to succeed.
“To have Ofsted recognise not just the quality of education, but also the sense of belonging, care and community that makes our Academy what it is, means an enormous amount to us.
“We will continue to build on these strong foundations, remaining ambitious for every student and ensuring they have the support and opportunities to fulfil their potential.”
Mr Qamar Riaz, Chief Executive Officer of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, said:
“What stands out to me about this report is not simply the five Strong Standard judgements, impressive as they are, but what sits behind them. Inspectors have recognised a school where high expectations, strong teaching and a genuine commitment to inclusion are making a real difference to young people.
“Shireland CBSO Academy is a wonderful example of what can happen when we think differently about education. Our partnership with the CBSO is about much more than music. It is about broadening horizons, creating opportunities and giving young people experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach, alongside a really strong academic education.
“Building a new school and establishing this kind of culture in just three years is no small achievement. David and his colleagues deserve enormous credit, as do the students and families who have helped shape the Academy into the community it is today.
“This is a moment to celebrate, but also an opportunity to look ahead. Our responsibility as a Trust is to build on these foundations, keep raising expectations and ensure that the quality of education and opportunities we provide continues to improve as the Academy grows.”
The inspection took place on 15 and 16 September 2026. Under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, schools receive separate judgements across different areas of their work rather than a single overall grade.
The Academy will continue to build on the strengths identified in the inspection, with a focus on sustaining high standards and delivering exceptional educational opportunities for young people across West Bromwich and the surrounding communities.
