"Since Matrix has taken over the leadership of Smestow school, I have seen a significant transformation in the delivery of education, school culture, ethos, and staff engagement between parents and pupils. Staff are really invested in their pupils, getting to know them, and encouraging them to strive to be their best. My child has been provided with opportunities to engage in cultural and social trips away from home building on independence and resilience skills. I have found communication with staff on all levels exceptional, and the pastoral support provided to young people is supportive, valuing young people's needs, and working in partnership with parents." - Ms Hamilton-Smith
"Since Matrix Academy Trust has taken over Smestow, I have seen a high level of dedication from all staff members to provide Smestow students with the best opportunities to learn and to develop personally.
School trips have increased - with my child attending a trip to Paris. Something that her older sister did not get to do whilst at Smestow.
It's also great to see the kids preparing for a school musical! Again, something that didn't happen previously. - Ms Fox
"I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided to my son. It truly means a lot to know that he is in an environment where he is cared for, challenged, and supported in his learning journey.
The dedication and patience of the teachers and staff have made a significant impact on his growth, both academically and personally. Knowing that he is in such good hands gives us great peace of mind, and we deeply appreciate all the effort that goes into making his experience at school a positive one.
Thank you again for everything you do!" - Isatou-Jobe
"My child started year 7, the school already had a low Ofsted report however I wanted to give it a chance. This is as the primary school my children went to was in a similar situation however over the years it had grown and improved dramatically.
For the first 2 terms into Year 7, I would hear negative comments about how the school was and how little respect the children had for the teachers. The discipline wasn’t very good and the children would basically rule the school.
In January the following year, when the Matrix Academy Trust took over, there was a change which was instant. The first thing I was impressed was with the planners and how in depth they were and gave loads of information including mental health etc. After seeing this, I knew it would be onwards and upwards from here.
I spoke to Mr Chamberlain a few months into his post, and congratulated him on how the school had changed. There was more discipline in the school, more structure and mostly more consistently with the teaching staff.
The staff have been amazing, when I have spoken to them about any queries I have with regards to my children. I am very pleased that both my children go to this school."
Since Matrix have taken over the school we have noticed a significant change, the communication from the school is so much better. We get regular communications via the app and also more information in his planner for homework etc. My son has had some issues during year 8 and I found the staff to be very supportive in helping us to support our son. They have communicated with me clearly and have given him extra support with mental health counciling which I honestly didn't expect. I've seen both an improvement with the school and with my son since the changes. My son is now doing really well in year 9 and is happy to come to school everyday.
Thank you to all involved for the continued support." - Ms Hever
We moved our daughter to Smestow in October after a difficult experience at her previous school, where she had lost all faith in school life. The transformation since joining Smestow has been beyond words—our daughter is back to her bubbly self and once again excited to learn. It’s not often you hear a 15-year-old say, ‘I love going to school.’ Every teacher she has encountered has treated her with kindness, professionalism, and encouragement.
She describes Smestow as a disciplined school ‘in a good way’ because it helps her focus on learning. After her first day, she came out with happy tears, saying, ‘That’s how a school should feel.’ Her fellow pupils are kind and welcoming, and the teachers maintain excellent communication with us as parents and our daughter.
We couldn’t ask for more. To see our daughter happy and thriving every day is something we’ll always be grateful to Smestow for."
Kindest regards - The Hughes
Since Smestow joined Matrix Academy Trust, the school has changed significantly for the good. Due to my daughter and family going through a lot the school has always been there to support her. The mental health team that they offer amazing for younger teens. Also, the safeguarding is great they are able to support the students and are able to speak to, and as myself I have spoken to then on my behalf of my daughter and they are so helpful and they will do anything to support and help her with what she is going through.
The school will never give up on the students no matter what! They are always trying to get my daughter the help she needs no matter how many times she refuses the school team will still offer it to her. When things get hard both at school and at home the teams are always there to help. Since smestow joining the matrix it has made it much easier to access support for my daughter it has also made it much easier for me knowing my daughter is safe throughout the school day and that if anything was to happen, they would contact me straight away.
The staff make sure that each pupil and parents get the best support for home and school. they make you feel that there is support no matter what happens and you can contact them anytime and they would give support out and help when needed. Not just only the mental health and support team has helped but the head of house that my daughter in is amazing they are always getting in touch with me when things are getting hard and when things are going well for my daughter, they are always keeping me up to date so I dont have to worry about my daughter while she is under school care.
The head of house always give ups her time for my daughter when things are getting hard at home and she is alway there for her if she needs to go and speak to someone .no matter what goes on they are always there supporting my daughter when she refuses other support. they do a lot for my daughter which not many schools would and they will do anything for not only my daughter but for other pupils as well.
Matrix have turned Smestow around as if they have never been one of the worst schools, they have improved this school so much and they make you feel so welcome when entering for open days or general meetings with the staff. The staff are great and all kind and they will do anything to help. I am so happy with the matrix turning Smestow around in just two years! I am excited to see how this school will eventually be the best in Wolverhampton and that everyone will speak about this school on how it has changed for the best. I am so happy with the help I have received thank you too you all for your hard work and determined work. Thank you " - Ms Smallwood
