Arrow Vale

Thank you for your interest in working at Arrow Vale and within the Central Region Schools Trust. Our students are outstanding in many ways – people who visit us often comment on the amazingly calm, business like, but warm and friendly feel to the school, where students and staff are thriving in a tangible atmosphere of mutual respect.

Our school is an ‘outstanding school’ (Ofsted May 2014 and December 2018) and was previously designated as a National Teaching School – reflecting the high quality standards of teaching and learning and professional development within the school. We are also a National Support School, providing support for teachers and schools within the West Midlands Region. These initiatives make Arrow Vale a very desirable place to teach, and to learn to teach, which means we can attract and develop the very best staff to work at or school. This clearly enables us to secure the best possible learning environment for our students.

We are an inclusive school where everyone works together to be the very best they can be. As one of the schools in the Central Region Schools Trust, our community benefits from the support and resources of the Trust, providing students with innovative learning and life-enhancing opportunities. CRST's mission is to deliver social justice through exceptional schools.  We  are distinctive, with a particular passion for academic success generated through creative teaching and learning, and skills development, that best prepares students for the world beyond school.  We believe that students are entitled to get the highest quality of education regardless of postcode,  generating the best possible learning experiences in all subject areas.

Students being able to discover and follow their passion is fundamental to our curriculum offer. We aim to give them the power to create. Our ethos is simple. We expect a lot of our students  – we expect them to work very hard to fulfil their potential and reach the highest standards through high quality teaching and caring support. We aim to keep them safe and happy so that they discover and learn new things, remember more and achieve highly whilst at school. We do all we can to prepare them for higher education or high quality employment, and to be able to lead a fulfilling and successful life. We aim to provide an outstanding platform for them to be the best they can be. Our standards are high.

We expect all students to wear our full uniform, attend well, behave appropriately and support each other. If you take the opportunity to visit us you will see that our students meet our high standards and this is reflected in both Ofsted reports. We expect them to give their best effort and participate in the full range of learning experiences on offer at Arrow Vale. In return, our staff are fully committed to ‘going the extra mile’ to ensure that students excel in all that they do.

Examination results: The results our students achieve at A level are at an all-time high. Many of our students choose to do 3 Academic A levels – some choose to do 2 A Levels and a vocation post-16 qualification, and a few choose entirely vocational routes. We believe in curriculum choice, but with strong advice and guidance to help students achieve their destinations having studied the best courses. Many access the highest grades and we have a high number of students who progress to the very best universities to continue their education.

At GCSE, whole school progress measures are strong for all groups of students and many subjects secure outcomes for students that are truly outstanding.  Students have access to a wide range of courses, including separate sciences, history, geography, a range of languages, drama, art, photography, catering, hair, PE and a host of others. Again, advice is strong but we also have a philosophy of not forcing certain pathways where the rationale from student/parent is sensible.

The school is so much more than exam results however – please take a look at the information provided to give you a full flavour of the opportunities on offer. If Arrow Vale seems like a place you would like to take the next steps in your career, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ian Mellor

Executive Principal