E-ACT North Birmingham Academy in Erdington, Birmingham, has achieved a rare ‘exceptional’ rating from Ofsted after a dramatic transformation in behaviour, attendance, and school culture.
Just a few years ago, the academy faced significant challenges: over 400 suspensions in 2023, attendance at 90% compared to the national average of 92%, and 26 pupils placed in costly behaviour units, impacting the school budget by £300,000. Academic progress was also a concern, with a progress measure of minus 0.7, signaling underachievement.
When David Karim took the helm in 2023, he immediately set out to rebuild the school from the ground up. The priorities were clear: ensure every child felt safe, respected teachers, and create an environment conducive to learning. A disciplined start to the day includes uniform checks, ensuring students have their book bags, and storing phones securely during lessons. A free breakfast program ensures all pupils start their day well-nourished.
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Inside the classroom, disruptive behaviour was tackled head-on with a structured on-call system: verbal warnings as the first step and interventions that remove disruptive students temporarily before reintegrating them into lessons. This approach allowed teachers to focus on teaching rather than managing behavioural issues.
The school also introduced the ‘Bridge’ intervention program, offering targeted support for issues like anxiety, anger management, and attendance. Collaborations with an educational psychologist, a school counsellor, and 17 external providers have further enriched the support network for students.
Results have been impressive. Attendance has surged to 97%, suspensions have dropped by over 90% in two years, and the number of pupils in alternative provision has fallen from 26 to just two, with those students attending specialist placements unrelated to behavioural problems.
The school’s improved reputation is evident in staffing too. Job vacancies that once attracted minimal interest, such as for science teachers, now receive dozens of applicants. The academy is expanding by adding two extra classes per year and has a growing waiting list.
Under Karim’s leadership and the commitment of his staff, North Birmingham Academy has fundamentally shifted its culture. Respect for staff is now the norm, behaviour expectations are consistently met, bullying is rare, and pupils move calmly and orderly around the school. The inclusive environment fosters a strong sense of belonging, with many previously marginalized students now engaged and thriving academically and socially.
Sustained high attendance, effective behavioural management, and a supportive, respectful atmosphere position North Birmingham Academy as a genuine trailblazer in education, setting a powerful example for other schools in the West Midlands and beyond.