Selly Oak Trust School

We pride ourselves on being an enjoyable learning community that celebrates equality and the uniqueness of everyone, where students aspire, thrive and achieve the qualifications and skills for life that they need to become independent adults and lead a quality life. We have 389 students on role, with 99 in KS5.  We have wide range of SEN with our largest cohorts having MLD, ASC, Speech and Language difficulties or SEMH. 10% of our school community have a secondary SLCN barrier.

The curriculum is ambitious, wide ranging and continually reviewed to adapt to the aspirations of students. Curriculum is carefully planned to meet all NC requirements (with further investment being made in MFL). Curriculum ensures skills and knowledge build upon what has previously been taught, enabling students to know more and remember more. Curriculum options match school vision to prepare students for adulthood; PfA goals are identified in EHCP’s and are being mapped across faculties. Gatsby Benchmarks are strong compared to National figures.

Teachers are continuing to develop Students memory skills through classroom practice that supports them to build and reflect on their prior learning to make even more progress – key development area The curriculum is being further developed to continuously link the classroom learning to the real world – key development area Mutually respectful and restorative relationships are a strong feature of the school. Zones of regulation are used universally, to help students identify emotions and teach strategies to self-regulate. We are developing an emotional coaching approach for targeted support, in and out of class.

Some senior leaders and mentors are trained in Trauma Informed Coaching. Student Voice is strong, with nearly 40% of students representing themselves and their peers on committees or discussion groups. As a result, an orderly and calm environment exists where students feel they have a voice in their school and are proud to be Selly Oak Students. Suspensions have reduced by 49% compared to pre covid data. Investment in emotional support for students is a key priority in ensuring mental wellbeing.

Students have an opportunity to explore their special talents and interests through curricular and extra-curricular activities. Citizenship is actively promoted with many events and volunteer opportunities available. As a result, the school is a thriving community where students are actively involved citizens. We are working with the Educational Psychology Service to become a Trauma Informed and Attachment Aware school – key development area.Professional Development is a priority for school staff and is explicitly linked to whole school development. Investment in Staff workload and wellbeing is a priority. We have recently been awarded the Quality Mark for Workplace Wellbeing.

Senior and Middle leader supervision ensure clear lines of accountability and effective succession planning.
A number of staff are undertaking additional professional qualifications As a result, we have high levels of community commitment to the school’s vision and values, effective collaboration in whole school development and a continuous track record of whole school improvement. We are working to secure new buildings to replace dilapidated portacabins.