Coombswood School in Halesowen is celebrating a highly positive Ofsted inspection, with inspectors recognising the school’s strengths in inclusion, personal development and wellbeing, leadership, attendance and the support it provides to help learners rebuild confidence and re-engage with education.
Following the inspection on 16 June 2026, Ofsted judged both Inclusion and Personal development and wellbeing to be at the Strong standard, meaning that the school is working above the standard expected in these areas. Safeguarding standards were also confirmed as met.
Inspectors described Coombswood a, “a very welcoming, friendly place where pupils accept one another and feel valued.” The report praised staff for their informed understanding of learners’ special educational needs and/or disabilities and highlighted the way the school uses its knowledge of each learners’ individual circumstances to plan appropriate learning and support. Inspectors also recognised the impact of the school’s targeted work, noting that it enables learners to overcome barriers to learning and “access learning and plan for brighter futures.”
Coombswood’s approach to personal development was another particular strength. Ofsted found that, “Consideration for pupils’ personal development is woven throughout school life.” Inspectors highlighted the school’s personal, social, health and education programme alongside its wide range of trips, clubs, community activities and opportunities to develop independent living skills. The report also recognised the school’s aspirational careers guidance and opportunities for learners to take responsibility, build empathy and develop greater self-worth.
The inspection found that learners’ attendance improves considerably after joining Coombswood, with the school’s work with families having a “marked, positive impact”. Relationships across the school were described as “warm and supportive”, while established routines and clear expectations were recognised as helping learners to feel calm and secure.
Inspectors also highlighted the progress many learners make from their individual starting points. Many learners arrive at Coombswood following difficulties in previous settings or significant periods out of education. The report recognised the important role staff play in helping them to rebuild their confidence and develop positive attitudes towards education, stating, “Staff help them to rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and establish positive routines.” It added that learners develop better learning habits and begin to enjoy school as they experience success, while also learning to manage their emotions constructively and build resilience.
Leadership was also praised, with Ofsted stating simply that “This school is well led.” Inspectors found that the school’s “highly visible, supportive and optimistic leaders” have gained the trust and confidence of staff, learners, parents and carers. They also noted that parents describe Coombswood as providing kindness, compassion and clear communication.
Charlotte Alton, School Principal at Coombswood School, said: “The whole Coombswood team is incredibly proud of this outcome. What means the most is seeing Ofsted recognise the welcoming, inclusive and supportive culture that our staff work so hard to create every day. Many of our learners have experienced significant challenges before joining us, so helping them to feel safe, valued and able to believe in themselves is fundamental to everything we do. To see the progress our learners make in their attendance, confidence, relationships, independence and engagement with learning reflected so strongly in the report is enormously rewarding. I would like to thank our learners, families and every member of the Coombswood team for the part they play in making our school such a special community.”
Ofsted confirmed that Coombswood met all of the Independent School Standards, including those relating to the quality of education, pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, welfare, health and safety, premises, leadership and management.
Tracey Storey, Founder, CEO and Executive Chair of Melrose Education, said: “This is a wonderful outcome for the entire Coombswood team, and one of which they should be extremely proud. The report captures so much of what we want our schools to achieve: creating environments where learners feel they belong, where their individual needs are truly understood and where they are supported to develop the confidence, skills and aspirations they need for their futures. I am particularly delighted to see Coombswood recognised at the Strong standard for both inclusion and personal development and wellbeing. These are areas that sit at the very heart of the school’s work, and this recognition is testament to the commitment, care and high expectations of the whole team.”
The report concludes that learners at Coombswood are becoming increasingly prepared for their next steps, with “greater confidence and higher aspirations”.