Ofsted Report 14th & 15th January 2025
To view the Ofsted report please click here: Ofsted Inspection Report 14th & 15th January 2025
This was our first inspection under the new OFSTED framework which came into force in September 2024. Our previous full OFSTED inspection was in November 2019 where we were graded “Good” overall, with Personal Development rated as “Outstanding”. The new inspection framework does not give an overall grade, its purpose is to judge whether we have maintained our standards from the previous inspection.
The inspection in 2019 highlighted 4 areas that we needed to improve upon. Our 2025 inspection now states that we only have 1 area to improve upon. We are delighted with this extremal verification of our school, as it is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication and commitment that takes place in our school community.
I am immensely proud of the school that I lead and I am fortunate to have such a devoted team of staff, supportive families and fantastic students, whom the Lead inspector referred to as being, “full of beans!” This comment was of course made in a positive way, to show that our students are, “friendly, welcoming and confident.” There are some key lines in the body of the report which assured me that the inspection team really got what our school is about. “The positive ethos and culture of the school shines through the character of the pupils and the values they demonstrate.” This really sums up our school community very well. There are many references in the report to how well our students conduct themselves both in lessons and during social times. There is absolutely no doubt that our behaviour curriculum and high aspirations work. Our students share our ambitions and are rightly proud of their school community.
One of previously identified areas to improve upon from the 2019 inspection was around outcomes for children with SEND. I am pleased to announce that; “Since the previous inspection, the school has made significant improvements to the provision for pupils with SEND. Pupils’ SEND are identified promptly. Teachers use information about pupils’ individual needs to adapt pupils’ work across the curriculum effectively. Where additional expertise is needed, the school engages with external agencies. Pupils with SEND are fully involved with the life of the school and achieve well.”
We have been working tirelessly since the last inspection to improve our SEND provision and I am pleased that the partnership work between the school, families and students has been recognised by OFSTED. We will continue to build upon these positive comments and ensure that all of our students are able to achieve “Excellence for All.”
Once again, inspectors were particularly impressed by our Personal Development provision. They referred to it as being a “strength of the school.” They were also quite taken aback by the number of extra-curricular/enrichment activities that the school has to offer and how, “pupils of all ages engage in clubs and activities.” The Lead inspector also commented that, “Pupils enjoy coming to school. They make the most of their time in lessons and by taking advantage of the rich extra-curricular life of the school.”
Of course, schools must not lose focus on academic outcomes. Progress and attainment since the 2019 inspection have improved. Students leave our school having made commendable progress, well equipped with the skills and knowledge to continue their educational journey or start their career. The inspectors were able to witness the high quality of teaching delivered by our staff and commented that they had observed only “strong teaching” throughout.
I am sure that you will be pleased by what you read in the report. Despite recent negative press about OFSTED inspections, we found this process to be more collaborative in its approach which led to an accurate reflection of what everyday life is like in our school.
J Crowe
