Our School

Welcome to St. Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy – a thriving, inclusive school at the heart of Handsworth, Birmingham.

St. Michael’s has undergone a remarkable journey of renewal and improvement and now proudly holds an Outstanding rating across all areas in its most recent Ofsted inspection (March 2024). From the quality of education to leadership, behaviour, and early years provision, every aspect of school life has been recognised as exceptional.

At the heart of our school is a deep commitment to our Christian values: Community, Aspiration, Learning, and Love. These values are not just words – they are lived out daily by our pupils, staff, and families. As one parent beautifully put it, “We are two families united together to bring up our children.”

A Culture of Care and Ambition

St. Michael’s is a place where love, care, and ambition are evident in every corner. Whether pupils stay for a short time or many years, they are welcomed with warmth and supported to succeed. Our school community is known for its exceptional pastoral care, including home visits, mentoring, and family support. This nurturing environment ensures that every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Academic Excellence and Inclusive Learning

Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those who join us mid-year or are new to the country. Pupils quickly gain the skills they need to thrive, and their work is consistently of high quality – detailed, well-presented, and rich in academic content. The school’s approach to feedback is focused and effective, helping pupils understand how they are progressing and how to improve.

Children in Reception benefit from a language-rich environment where social and communication skills are developed through imaginative and engaging topics. This strong foundation continues throughout the school, with a particular emphasis on vocabulary, reading, and oracy – essential tools for lifelong learning.

A Rich and Diverse Experience

St. Michael’s celebrates the cultural diversity of its community through a curriculum that reflects and respects the lived experiences of its pupils. From Reception to Year 6, children are taught to appreciate their own identities and those of others, fostering a respectful and inclusive school culture.

Beyond the classroom, pupils enjoy a wealth of enrichment opportunities – from ballet and biking to sailing and supper clubs. They grow their own produce, exhibit their art, and even earn scholarships in dance and sport. These experiences help shape confident, responsible young citizens who are proud of their school and community.

Supporting Every Child

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified swiftly and supported effectively. Most learn alongside their peers in class, while others benefit from “The Nest” – a calm, nurturing space tailored to their needs. This inclusive approach ensures that all pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Supporting Every Family

At St. Michael’s, we believe that strong families build strong futures. Our commitment to supporting every family is woven into the fabric of school life. We understand that children thrive when their families are supported, listened to, and empowered. That’s why we are proud to have a full-time Family Support Worker and a dedicated Learning Mentor on staff – professionals who work closely with parents and carers to provide guidance, practical help, and emotional support. Whether it’s navigating challenges at home, accessing services, or simply having someone to talk to, our team is here to help. In 2025, we will take this commitment even further with the opening of The Orchard – St. Michael’s Community Hub. This exciting space serves as a welcoming centre for families, offering workshops, drop-in sessions, and community events designed to strengthen connections and promote wellbeing. At St. Michael’s, no family walks alone – we grow together.

Proud History. Bright Future.

We are proud of who we are, proud of where we are, and proud of what we are becoming.

We are Handsworth. We are St. Michael’s. We are proud.

We warmly welcome visitors to come and see our values in action.