Tudor Grange Academy, Kingshurst

Under the name of "The City Technology College, Kingshurst", the establishment opened in 1988 as Britain's first CTC. Mrs Valerie Bragg was the Principal Emeritus. The academy has developed a partnership in education, bringing together the world of industry, commerce and education and has very good results. From an all ability intake, 64% of Year 11 students achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent (including Maths and English) (2013).[1]

The academy now accommodates over 1,600[2] students of all abilities from 11 to 19 years of age. The College is situated on the eastern outskirts of Birmingham in the suburb of Kingshurst, North Solihull. The College serves the East Birmingham and North Solihull areas.

When the College opened, 83% of students in the area were leaving school at 16 with few prospects of employment. As of 2006, more than 80% of the school's children continue with education to post-16, either at Kingshurst or at other colleges.

In 2008 the City Technology College, Kingshurst converted to Academy status, with the name changing to The City Technology College Kingshurst Academy. In 2010 refurbishments took place across the whole site and a new D block was built. D block was opened in October 2011. Technically, CTC Kingshurst Academy is registered as a company limited by guarantee while also being registered as a charity (Registered in England No: 2268092. Registered Charity number 700390).[3]

3E's, a spinout company fully owned by the Kingshurst CTC Trust, was responsible for the formation of the Kingshurst Foundation – a confederation of schools run by the 3E's company. The initial schools in this Federation were King's College, Guildford and Kings International College, Camberley.

In 2018, CTC Kingshurst Academy joined Tudor Grange Academies Trust, a MAT (Multi-Academy Trust) that consists of 8 schools, offering either Primary or Secondary education. The trust was formed by its founding school, Tudor Grange Academy, Solihull. Having joined the trust, CTC Kingshurst Academy was renamed and is now known as Tudor Grange Academy, Kingshurst.

Tudor Grange Academy, Kingshurst offers Post 16 Education for both internal and external candidates who have completed their Secondary Education. Tudor Grange Academy, Kingshurst offers Vocational Courses (BTECs and National Diplomas) as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The Principal of the Academy is Darren Turner, who succeeded Matthew Boyle as the school's sixth Principal of TGA, Kingshurst in 2020. The fourth Principal was Damon Hewson, the third was Ann Jones, the second was Peter Ireland and the first was Valerie Bragg.[4]

Senior Leadership at the academy consists of a team of one Associate Principal - Nicola Crehan - and a team of 7 College Leaders. The current college leaders are:[5]

• Gulfam Shahzad - College Leader for College Bronte
• Emma Ivery - College Leader for College Hawking and Data & Statistics
• Richard Jones - College Leader for College Newton
• Rebecca Hill - College Leader for College Pankhurst
• Lee Parfitt - College Leader for College Tull, Transition and Attendance & Punctuality
• John Bowers - College Leader for 6th Form
• Laura Ridley - College Leader for Safeguarding and Welfare
• Beth Bourne - Associate College Leader for 6th Form's Safeguarding and Welfare

The school has facilities available for use by the school and the surrounding community via advance booking. These facilities include:

• A flood-lit 3G Pitch
• 5 Grass Pitches
• 2 Tennis Courts
• A Sports Hall
• A Gymnasium
• A Dance Studio
• A Drama Studio
• An Outdoor Learning Centre, including a WW1 Replica Trench, Replica Saxon Village, A Low Ropes Course, A Pond and More.

• Jamelia – R&B
• Emalkay – Dubstep producer and DJ
• Kia Pegg – Actress
• Pete Dunne – professional wrestler
• Laura Rollins – Actress (Doctors)