We visit the thriving Shropshire secondary school leaving a decade of ‘requires improvement’ far behind

After spending more than 10 years with the words ‘requires improvement’ above its doors, Ercall Wood Academy in Wellington is a school on the rise.

Until last year, Ercall Wood had been rated ‘requires improvement’ since a visit from Ofsted in October 2013.

But, in January 2025, the school - part of the Learning Community Trust - finally threw off the judgement, and was rated ‘good’ across the board.

Now in his fourth year at the school, Principal Nick Murphy is proud of how far the academy has come, but equally clear that the journey is far from over.

“We are so proud of our journey,” he said. “We are incredibly proud of our achievements, but there is a complete desire from all to continue to push.”

The improvements aren’t just anecdotal either, with the school recording strong GCSE results for the last three years - the importance of which goes beyond league tables.

“Our academic success allows our students opportunities to access positive post-16 destinations,” said Mr Murphy.

“They have the suite of qualifications that allow doors to be open to their future.”

But academic achievement is only one part of the Ercall Wood experience. At the heart of the academy’s ethos is a commitment to what staff call “character education”.

The school has developed an established framework designed to help students grow beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. It focuses on developing the qualities young people need to thrive in life, as well as in education.

Confidence, kindness and resilience are therefore treated as important parts of a young person’s development, alongside academic knowledge.

Mr Murphy said: “We are fully invested in ensuring that we develop our students away from the classroom. We want them to have the strength of character to walk into any room and thrive.”

A wide programme of enrichment, trips and visits provides further opportunities for students to broaden their experiences and discover interests beyond their everyday lessons.

Mr Murphy believes this balance between academic success and character development is something that defines the school and something that staff “drive relentlessly”.

The transformation at Ercall Wood can also be seen in its facilities, with recent investment having brought a range of new and enhanced spaces to the school including a purpose-built multi-storey science block, gym, forest school, sensory garden, hair and beauty suite and specialist food and cookery room.

“These facilities are used for both curriculum and to support students who need therapeutic nurture-based support,” said Mr Murphy.

Looking ahead, one of the areas generating particular excitement is the development of Ercall Wood’s vocational learning offer.

The academy wants its new facilities to become increasingly embedded into everyday school life, creating practical opportunities for students to develop skills and explore potential career pathways.

“We’re getting stronger each year,” Mr Murphy said.

“The aspiration for Ercall Wood is to be the leading school not only in Telford but across the Midlands. Bold words, but this is what our community deserves and I am completely motivated to facilitate that.”