WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Solihull)

Overview

Pupils value the school’s engineering focus and employer links, with personal development and sixth-form provision rated as strong. However, inconsistencies in curriculum planning, assessment, and behaviour management hinder learning, while attendance remains a significant concern requiring strategic refinement.

Strengths

• Pupils appreciate the "focus on engineering and links with local employers" and feel "treated more maturely."
• Personal development is a strength, with a curriculum providing clear understanding of "healthy relationships, fundamental British values" and safety.
• "Careers information, advice and guidance are significant strengths," leading to positive destinations including apprenticeships and university.
• Sixth-form provision is secure, with clearer sequencing of key knowledge and timely addressing of misconceptions.
• Staff are positive about professional development opportunities, and leaders are "mindful of their workload."

Areas to improve

• The curriculum must clearly define key knowledge and its teaching order to help pupils link new learning to prior knowledge.
• Teachers must use assessment systematically to identify gaps and adapt teaching, particularly for pupils with SEND.
• The school needs to refine its strategic approach to improve attendance and ensure timely well-being checks for vulnerable absent pupils.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, though the school must improve how it monitors the well-being of vulnerable pupils when they are absent.