Two West Midlands schools to become academies

Two schools in Dudley in the West Midlands, are to become academies after the local council approved the move, the Express & Star has reported.

Dudley Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, councillor Wayne Little, has approved the transfer of special school, Old Park School, in Brierley Hill, Dudley, to Dudley Academies Trust in 1 September. The school educates young people up to age 19 with severe learning difficulties including autism or complex medical needs.

Old Park is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, which in its last report on the school, based on an inspection in 2024, stated: “The Old Park School is a nurturing place where pupils feel safe and happy. Pupils learn about a wide range of topics and subjects and enjoy coming to school.

“They benefit from resources such as the swimming pool and soft play to support their personal development.”

The school has 152 employees, including 22 teaching staff, who will all transfer to the trust under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations.

The school’s forecast financial deficit for 2025/36 is £158,000 which will be transferred to the trust.

Little also signed off the transfer of Milking Bank Primary School in Dudley to the Invictus Education Trust from 1 September.

The trust will take responsibility for the school’s 69 employees which includes 22 teaching staff. The school predicts a surplus of £74,000 for 2025/26 which will transfer to the Invictus Trust.

Ofsted rated Milking Bank as Good in 2023, with high staff morale and strong governance.

Ofsted’s report said: “Pupils know what is expected at Milking Bank Primary School. They are confident that the adults in school will always help them, and know that it is important to treat others with respect.

“In class and on the playground, they behave well. Disruption of any sort is rare.”