7 January 2015 Dear Parent, I am writing to update you on the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection that took place on 12th and 13th November 2014. The conclusions drawn from the inspection agreed with those already made by myself and that of our sponsor ECMAT (Education Central Multi Academy Trust, part of the University of Wolverhampton) early within my tenure as The ACE Academy’s Headteacher. The overall outcome of the Ofsted Inspection placed the school in a category. Whilst this can initially invite disappointment, it does allow for the right support and resources to be provided for our Academy to see it further supported on its trajectory of rapid improvement. There are many good things that happen on a daily basis at our Academy and it was pleasing to see that these were noticed by the inspectors. They recognised that the majority of our students were polite, courteous and wearing their uniform well, and with pride. The inspectors noted that there was good teaching in the academy and that this needed to be shared across the academy in order to secure the consistency of student progress that is needed for our students to be successful. Inspectors, whilst restricted by the inspection framework that they work within, recognised that since September, there were ‘green shoots’ of improvement across the academy in teaching and learning, student attitudes, behaviour, attendance and progress. They also recognised the huge amount of recent work that has happened to improve standards and experiences in our Sixth Form. In this last term, the Academy has improved dramatically. To accelerate this improvement we will continue to be uncompromising in the expectations and standards required of our staff, students and parents. This is for one reason only – the successful education of our students, your children. I am sure that with the support of our students, staff, the University of Wolverhampton, ECMAT, and our governors that the significant change and journey that this Academy has embarked upon will accelerate dramatically, leading to greater effectiveness and success - ultimately, improving our students’ life chances. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working with you in the future to secure an outstanding education for all. Yours sincerely, Robin Grover Head teacher
Sir Geoff Hampton Chief Executive ECMAT