Top marks for Ofsted ‘outstanding’ school in Walsall

Old Hall School, on Bentley Lane, Walsall, was graded ‘outstanding’ in every available category, and improved on its last inspection of ‘good’ in 2023. 

The school is a specialist provider for pupils with complex needs and severe learning difficulties. 

Following their inspection in December 2024, Ofsted inspectors described the school as a place where pupils arrive every morning with excitement, are motivated to learn, and somewhere where they achieve exceptionally well.

The Ofsted report outlines how the school has carefully developed the curriculum around pupil’s needs, and that there are no limits to what pupils can achieve at the school.

Matt Ball, Headteacher at Old Hall School, said, “We are so proud of this outcome, it is a true team effort, and it comes from all of our staff, their love and nurture for our children, and wanting to give them the best deal possible. 

“Support from parents, carers, staff and governors and everybody that works with us has made this possible. 

“We have made important decisions on our leadership model that has enabled us to move forward since our last inspection. These changes have allowed us to make sustainable improvements in areas such as behaviour, attitudes and inclusion, pastoral welfare and family inclusion, sensory interventions, and pupil mental health and wellbeing. The renewed approach has lifted us to a new level, and we are pleased this is reflected in the inspection outcome. 

“The outcome is the result of years of careful curriculum development, and planning and building a team capable of delivering lasting standards. We will now continue to focus on expanding our school, making more places available to families in Walsall, and ensuring that our standards never drop, and we are at the forefront for best practice in our type of schools.”

Councillor Pardeep Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, said: “Congratulations to everybody at Old Hall School for this fantastic achievement.

“The published report from Ofsted explains very clearly how well pupils are thriving and happy at Old Hall. It’s wonderful to hear about the holistic support that is shaped around each individual’s needs, and that pupils are not only achieving, but enjoying themselves whilst doing so.

“This grading is well-deserved acknowledgement for all the hard work the school puts into educating our young people with complex needs every day.”

The full report is available to read at files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50267351 

More information about Old Hall School can be found on their website oldhallschool.co.uk