Top West Midlands schools starting September with new 'exceptional' ratings from Ofsted

NewsMidlands NewsEducationSchools are now considered among the best in the region05:30, 01 Sep 2026Goldsmith Primary Academy in Walsall. A handful of West Midlands secondary schools will be going into the new school year with enhanced reputations after receiving glowing praise from Ofsted.‌The schools are now considered among the best in the region after being handed new "exceptional" ratings by the education watchdog.‌This is the highest possible rating that can be awarded to a school under Ofsted's revamped inspection system.‌READ MORE: Midlands town named among happiest in whole of the UKREAD MORE: West Midlands borough in top 10 worst in England for GCSE resultsThe previous top rating of 'outstanding' has been renamed 'exceptional'.‌In a major change, now rated across a range of areas