September 1961

High Arcal Grammar School

Sedgley Urban District Council builds a new grammar school on the site.

September 1975

High Arcal becomes a comprehensive

The school has a sixth form from 1972 to 1990.

July 2017

Launch of Dudley Academies Trust

Four Dudley secondary schools are brought together under the sponsorship of Dudley College of Technology to form a new Multi Academy Trust.

September 2017

Our new mission and vision:

Working together we will develop inspirational schools which instil ambition and desire in young learners, open their minds, widen their horizons and equip them to succeed in a challenging world.

November 2017

Jo Higgins appointed Chief Executive

Jo Higgins joins from Penistone Grammar School with the aim of transforming the performance and estates of the four schools.

March 2018

Launch of Strategic Plan 2018-20

The Trust explains what it is going to achieve over the next three years and how it will achieve its ambitious targets.

April 2018

SMART curriculum introduced

The first of the big changes made by the Trust.

August 2018

Developing our estate

Work starts a program of major improvements to the fabric of the academy, including roofs, windows, lighting and heating.

August 2018

A new identity

High Arcal Academy becomes Beacon Hill Academy. The name is chosen by the learners.

September 2018

All change!

Learners start the term with new uniforms (free blazers and ties), a new school day and new teaching methods centred around Collaborative Learning.

September 2018

Introducing Values Driven Expectations

A new system of rewards and behaviour management brings a different culture to the schools and a boost to teaching and learning in the classrooms.

November 2018

Upgrade initiative

The Academy day is extended by one period on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for all Year 11s.

Winter 2018/19

Investment in IT

Almost every PC and laptop in the academy is replaced. Major improvements are made to cabling and wireless networks.

December 2018

Pandas encourage attendance

Perfect Attendance – No Days Absent attendance strategy is launched across the Trust.

March 2019

Learning with Artificial Intelligence

Century AI software is introduced to accelerate learners’ progress in English, Mathematics and Science. Year 11 learners get to grips with it during a second extra period at the end of the school day.