Grace Academy, Darlaston

Grace Academy is an Academy in Darlaston, Walsall, England. It is a non-selective co-educational secondary school.It was formerly Darlaston Community Science College which had been placed into special measures by OFSTED and failed to raise standards in the allotted time. As a result, it was converted into an Academy on 1 September 2009 using the same buildings.A new, purpose built academy building was opened in September 2013, and the previous school buildings demolished to make way for astroturf sports facilities for the new school site.The academy is operated by Grace Foundation, founded by Lord Edmiston, entrepreneur of International Motors fame and founder of the evangelical international charity Christian Vision. He also serves as a Governor of Grace Academy.Note that the area of Darlaston was classed by ACORN as being "hard pressed" (grade 5) in 2009.Recent OFSTED inspections2013Grace Academy Darlaston was rated as requires improvement overall. Reasons cited including improved attendance, more robust systems in place to support the improvement of teaching and improved results by the current year 11 students.2012Grace Academy Darlaston was rated as inadequate overall. Reasons cited including poor attainment, behaviour and inconsistencies in teaching.Famous AlumniDarlaston Comprehensive/Community Science College Mark Rhodes, singer and television presenter