Private School News

Rossall School, Lancashire, – School gets top marks from Inspectors

The Independent Schools Inspectorate has given one of the area’s leading independent schools the thumbs up in its latest inspection and cited its unique community culture for the excellent development of its pupils.

The Inspectorate, the independent schools’ equivalent of Ofsted, has praised Rossall School in Fleetwood for its delivery of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, an enquiry based alternative learning programme for junior pupils, and described teaching at the school as “exceptional.” Also singled out for praise was the School’s boarding tradition, which it said: “helped to provide a good quality of educational experience and contributed to the pupils’ ability to develop good relationships.” The report also cited the genuine establishment of a family feeling on campus, as a result of the permanent boarding community, as one of the key reasons why day pupils also thrived. The pastoral care, out of hours’ activities, and the boarding house system, it reported, “provided the key to the family unit.” Children at the School were also singled out for praise for their “outstanding behaviour both in and out of class.” Incidents of bullying, the report added, “were rare.”

Rossall’s GCSE achievements were also highlighted as being high in relation to national norms. The School actually topped the Lancashire league tables last year, yet, despite its academic achievements at the higher end, it also won praise from inspectors for its support of children with learning difficulties.

According to the report, inspectors noted that “a striking aspect of the school was the understanding for different cultures, fostered by the cosmopolitan campus, and also the quality of personal development of pupils of all ages, who exhibited confidence in relationships with children and adults alike and relished responsibility.”

Also coming in for praise was the School’s leadership team, led by headmaster, Dr Stephen Winkley. The inspectors noted that Rossall’s leadership has been strong and well-directed since the appointment of the new head in 2008, which drew comment from Dr Winkley: “Although I’m not a great believer in league tables as a measure of a school’s qualities I do feel that the findings of a thorough inspection are more meaningful in judging what a school has to offer.

“I’m obviously delighted that we’ve had such a positive report by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, but not surprised, given the quality of our teaching staff and house parents, and their dedication to the children, who must also be singled out for praise.

“As a school, we are only as good as the children we turn out, so in that sense we are a resounding success, with or without the findings of an inspection. The School is such a special place to be, not because of one aspect, but because of its component parts, which is why it’s been so rewarding to see the quality of teaching and pupils here since my arrival in 2008.

“The inspectors alluded to a special feeling on campus…a strong sense of community and responsibility and exceptional children, which is why Rossall is different to many other schools, even those with boarding communities. It really is a place with a unique sense of identity.”

More good news for the School comes in the form of increased numbers of boarders for 2010/2011 school year. The recruitment figures have bucked the UK national trend, and the School’s successful recruitment campaign has resulted in a flurry of summer activity on campus as additional boarding facilities are built to cope with the influx of new pupils.

Photo: Headmaster Dr Stephen Winkley

Praise for WYCLIFFE COLLEGE in inspection report

Pupils, teachers and leaders at Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Glos, have been praised in one of the first of a new-style report by independent schools inspectors.

The inspectors found that the school was successful in meeting its aims. From the Early Years provision, described as “effective” and “outstanding” right through to sixth form, inspectors found reasons to commend the College.

In the Prep School the inspectors reported that “the quality of the education is good” while pupils in the Senior School “make good progress and achieve well, with some outstanding performances. This results from good teaching…and pupils’ well-developed learning skills.”

As well as academic progress, inspectors found that the “personal development of pupils is good, with a number of outstanding aspects” in the Senior School and reported that “links with parents, carers and guardians are outstanding.” In the Prep School, “the personal development of pupils of all ages is excellent” and “pupils’ personal qualities are outstanding and strongly fostered by the school’s open, friendly atmosphere.”

The inspectors found that “almost all parents are extremely pleased with most aspects of college life.”

In noting significant recent progress, the inspectors praised Wycliffe’s management which had “resulted in many improvements from which pupils benefit. The college has higher quality facilities and both senior and middle leaders have a better understanding of their roles than at the time of the last inspection.” The Prep School is “well led; leadership has a number of particularly strong features.”

Head Margie Burnet Ward said; “I am very pleased that the progress we have made has been recognised, as has the clear vision for the future that has been forged over recent years. As expected, there are recommendations to implement, but it is reassuring to know that these are all things we had identified through our annual self-evaluation and for which plans are already under way to bring about even greater improvements.”

Head of Wycliffe Prep School, Adrian Palmer said, “We are delighted that this report has reflected the progress the school has made since the last inspection.”
The inspectors were impressed by the College’s development plans saying, “The future direction is clear and all are striving to make the college the school of choice in the local community and further afield.”

A full copy of the report is available on the school’s website www.wycliffe.co.uk.

STONYHURST COLLEGE receives outstanding inspection report

Stonyhurst College and Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall have both just received outstanding inspection reports. Excellent pastoral care, outstanding extra curricular success and the high quality of pupils’ personal development were just some of the accolades received.
Everyone attached to the school is thrilled by this exceptional outcome. Mr Andrew Johnson, the Headmaster, said, ‘I am very proud of this report, which is a tremendous achievement, and product of the hard work of Stonyhurst staff and pupils. We aim to be the best we can be in all we do and encourage our pupils to strive to achieve their utmost. Thanks must go to everyone involved in this achievement.’

A year 13 pupils is quoted in the report saying, ‘…staff and pupils form a family. We can turn to almost anyone for support….this openness to people’s differences allows people to flourish in what they want to do in a comfortable and loving environment.’

All UK independent schools have a full inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate every six years. Inspections cover the full range of a school’s educational provision, and the inspectors form judgements on nine different aspects according to an objective set of criteria.

Below are some quotations from the reports.

“The College’s most distinctive feature is an outstanding, all-pervasive spirituality, which promotes reflective self-awareness and increased moral fibre, leading many pupils to relish opportunities to turn their faith into action.”

“A broad curriculum, flexibly adapted to enable pupils to achieve their full potential, makes an excellent contribution to pupils’ achievements and learning…”

“Extra-curricular success is exceptional.”

“The quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent…”

“The pastoral care of the pupils and arrangements for their welfare, health and safety are excellent.”

To read the report, please follow the link: http://www.stonyhurst.ac.uk/uploads/std2904_report_stonyhurst_final_04_2010.pdf

Bromsgrove School Inspection – Oustanding Results

This week, Bromsgrove School received inspection reports from OFSTED and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), who are answerable to the DCSF. It will be six years before the School comes under this level of government scrutiny again.

The OFSTED boarding inspection gave the Prep and Senior Schools the summative verdict of “outstanding” (the highest OFSTED can award) and, remarkably, every single subcategory bar one was also deemed “outstanding”. This is a stunning assessment.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate do not give a one word overall assessment but grade key areas using “excellent” as the highest award. Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior School received only “excellent” and “good” in the numerous categories, with “excellent” dominant. Not a single aspect of the Schools was even deemed average. Among the key areas graded “excellent” were leadership, governance and management.

The Senior School also came top of the academic Value Added league tables for Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire as used and promulgated by the BBC and DCSF. These tables include all state as well as independent schools in these counties.

Headmaster, Chris Edwards, said: “We have just emerged from the most intense period of external scrutiny we have ever experienced. I am delighted to report that on a national scale we are eminent and, in some areas, pre-eminent. It is a humbling privilege to be at the helm of one of Britain’s finest schools.”

The full reports can be accessed via the school’s website.

If you would like further details or comment about the reports please contact:
Sara Bussey,
Marketing Co-ordinator.
Telephone 01527 579679 ext 265
Email sbussey@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

RHS provides a happy and fulfilling educational experience

‘The high quality of pastoral care and the commitment of the staff ensure a happy and fulfilling educational experience’ according to independent school inspectors in their report on The Royal Hospital School (RHS) issued last week.

The inspection of the Royal Hospital School, a coeducational boarding and day school for approximately 680 11 to 18 years olds set in 200 acres overlooking the River Stour at Holbrook, took place over two days in February and three days in March. It was conducted by an experienced team of Heads and teachers from other ISC (Independent School’s Council) accredited schools across the country. The objective of the inspection is to assess whether the School is meeting its stated aims and to ensure that standards are maintained and that relevant legal requirements are complied with.

Headmaster, Mr. Howard Blackett, who has been in post since 2004, explains that the School’s aims are “to provide a civilised, caring, Christian community where pupils are helped to develop their full potential and encouraged to develop qualities such as personal responsibility, honesty, reliability, truthfulness, integrity, independence, adaptability, perseverance, initiative and self confidence.” He was therefore delighted at the findings of the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) report which state that that “pupils have outstandingly well-developed personal qualities: they are ready to become active, responsible citizens who will contribute to society in a positive manner, exercise good judgment and show tolerance, courtesy and respect for others. They are friendly, confident and outgoing and loyal to their house and school. The school very successfully fulfils its aims concerning the development of values and personal qualities.”

The report is divided into specific sections and, in each one, the conclusions made were “overall extremely pleasant reading” according to Mr. Blackett. Comments such as ‘standards are high. Pupils are well educated in accordance with the school’s aims. They are articulate, confident and capable of independent thought. Results in GCSE and A Level examinations over the last three years, for which nationally comparable data is available, have been high’ were received and Mr. Blackett goes on to say, “we are dedicated to further improving on these high academic standards and results, not least through our new Gifted and Talented programme which has been put in place to support and extend pupils who are more able in specific subject areas”.

The ISI Inspection team recognised that the School has been through a period of enormous structural change and development under Mr Blackett’s leadership and the positive feedback and recommended actions reflected this. Not least, the £18 million house-refurbishment which the inspection team believed has created ‘first class accommodation which is both warm and welcoming’ and they praised the pastoral care and support provided by the House system by saying ‘the Houses are the heart of the school community; their friendly, family ethos fosters the pupil’s loyalty and respect’.

The full report can be read at www.royalhospitalschool.org and the School can viewed on Saturday 8th May when an Open Morning will be held from 9am.

Haileybury receives excellent Ofsted Report

Haileybury’s boarding provision has been described by Ofsted inspectors as having “outstanding features”, with no recommendations for improvement set. These comments follow an inspection of the School’s boarding facilities in March 2010, which looked at the key boarding school national minimum standards under the ‘Every Child Matters’ outcome groups.

The overall outcome judgement is good with outstanding features. The outcome judgements for “Being Healthy” and “Enjoying and Achieving” are outstanding while those in the areas of “Staying Safe”, “Positive Contribution”, “Economic Well-being” and “Organisation” are judged as good.

“The school is popular with boarders and parents,” continues the Report. “Across the school, the health and well-being of boarders is promoted exceptionally well.”

The Report goes on to stress that Haileybury is committed to boarding, with an emphasis on community values and fostering responsibility and independence.

Says The Master of Haileybury, Joe Davies: “The Ofsted Report is very positive and we are thrilled with the outcome, particularly as it follows on from the equally positive Independent Schools Inspectorate Report late last year.”

All-Round Excellence Confirmed at The Old Hall School

The Old Hall School is ‘an exciting school, buzzing with activity and endeavour in a wide variety of sporting, musical, dramatic and other activities’, where academic standards are ‘high overall in comparison to the national average’, according to the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
The inspection report, received this week, praised Wellington’s Old Hall School in all areas, describing its curriculum, pastoral care and links with parents as ‘excellent’. Headmaster, Martin Stott, in expressing his delight at the School receiving such plaudits, explained, “We are thrilled that the school’s recent move to its new location, next to Wrekin College, and all that has developed since, has been stamped with a very large seal of approval by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.”
Mr Stott, who joined the School in 2007, added that, “The inspection experience was very positive, in terms of confirming where we currently are, and reinforces our desire to continue to improve our already ‘excellent’ curriculum.”
An on-line questionnaire, completed by children and parents, produced results which praised all aspects of the School, its organisation and management, further enhancing the School’s reputation for combining the best of old and new, in educational terms.
The School’s inspection, one of the first in the country to be carried out under the new system, comes at a time when there is ever-increasing pressure on both the independent and state sectors to comply with rigorous regulatory requirements. The Old Hall School demonstrated its full compliance in every aspect, which is testament to the excellent internal organisation of the School and to its outstanding teaching and learning facilities.
The School welcomes all interested families to its next Open-Morning, which will be held on Saturday, 15th May. www.oldhall.co.uk

Inspection success at Ashford School

Ashford School has recently undergone their regular inspection of boarding facilities by OFSTED and have been awarded with an excellent report from the regulators.

“Alongside the first-rate inspection reports on the school from the Independent School Inspectorate and on our Early Years from OFSTED, this report confirms the quality of the education and care provided throughout the school to all our children, pupils and students.” Mike Buchanan, Head.

The inspection follows a prescribed agenda and uses a four point scale; outstanding, good, satisfactory, inadequate.

•The overall rating is Good
•Helping children to be healthy: Good
•Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe: Good
•Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do: Outstanding
•Helping children make a positive contribution: Good
•Achieving economic wellbeing: Good
•Organisation: Good

ST CLARE’S – OUTSTANDING!

There has been a lot of publicity in the newspapers and other media recently about how difficult it is for good schools to be graded as Outstanding. Not so at St. Clare’s. The College had been awarded the highest rating for the quality of its boarding after a recent Ofsted inspection in November 2009, something that fewer than 10% of boarding schools achieve in the UK. St. Clare’s is judged to have exceptionally high quality of provision in the following areas; helping children to be healthy, protecting students from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe, helping students achieve well and enjoy what they do and helping students make a positive contribution.

The report is full of positive remarks about the College but the following points deserve to be highlighted.

*Boarders are effectively protected from bullying. The analysis of the boarders’ survey was remarkable in that ‘no’ was always the answer to the question ‘Are you being bullied?’

*Boarders’ health is very well promoted through the personal, social and health (PSHE)programme which is comprehensive and well-organised, adapted to the needs of young adults and focused on preparation for their future lives.

*Use of discipline with boarders is fair and appropriate. The college has clear and well understood disciplinary procedures.

*There is vigorous selection and vetting of staff.

*There is a high level of security across the college and boarding houses, as a result of excellent security measures in place.

*Boarders do not experience discrimination.

*Boarders receive very good quality catering provision, both in the college’s dining hall and café.

*Students and staff of all nationalities live and study together; college life is enriched by a diversity of views.

*Boarders are enabled to contribute to the operation of boarding in the college, meeting another of the college’s aims that is to develop students’ independence of mind.

*There is an excellent process of induction and guidance for new boarders. On arrival, new students enter a very well organised and comprehensive four day induction programme, involving an orientation team of senior students, who the college seek feedback from to evaluate afterwards.

*The college’s organisation of boarding makes an excellent contribution to boarders’ welfare.

*The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. Boarders do not experience discrimination; they benefit from an international education and multicultural understanding from life in the college.

*Staff with boarding duties are supported by clear boarding policies and practice to follow, and benefit from good induction and continued training.

Malvern St James Receives Outstanding Ofsted Report

Malvern St James Girls’ School is celebrating after receiving a fantastic Ofsted report – achieving OUTSTANDING in all categories concerned with the well-being of the children.

The 360 pupil school was inspected during November and the report recognises the School’s exceptionally high quality of pastoral care. The outcome judgements in Being Healthy, Staying Safe, Enjoying and Achieving, Making a Positive Contribution and Organisation are described as ‘outstanding’. The School did not receive any recommendations.

The report states that girls, ‘self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence is excellent because they are valued within the school community and their contributions and efforts are noticed and rewarded. Boarders benefit from excellent support provided by the staff, external professions and peers’.

The report also notes that ‘girls are well informed and become confident individuals and are able to lead safe, fulfilling and healthy lives’.

‘The system in place to promote the safety and welfare of boarders was described as ‘outstanding’ with girls living in a ‘positive and nurturing environment where their welfare is paramount’.

Headmistress, Mrs Rosalind Hayes, said, ’This is an excellent achievement for the whole School. It was very pleasing that OFSTED recognised that the holistic, child-centred approach that we achieve at Malvern St James is very much a team effort and a result of the outstanding commitment shown by all departments of the School’.

The inspecting team praised Ms Elaine Drake, the Assistant Head responsible for Boarding, for ‘her dynamic and visionary approach’.

The report concluded that, ‘Malvern St James is an outstanding school. Boarders’ safety and protection is paramount, Boarders’ health and pastoral care is being met by a dedicated team of professional staff who are continually striving to develop the boarding experience and maintain outstanding outcomes for children’.

An Outstanding Report from Ofsted for Caterham School

In June this year Caterham School had an announced Boarding inspection by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted).

The results have now been published. Ofsted report that ‘’the school offers an outstanding level of care to the Boarders and that the overall quality rating is outstanding’’.

The inspection covered six key standards;
~ Helping children to be healthy
~ Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
~ Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
~ Helping children make a positive contribution
~ Achieving economic wellbeing
~ Organisation

Headmaster Julian Thomas said: ‘’We are thrilled to receive such a positive report from Ofsted as Boarding is such an important aspect of Caterham School. Not only do the Boarding students outperform many of the day pupils in exams, they also add so much to the life of the school. I was particularly pleased that Ofsted commended us for our pro active approach towards ensuring the safety and welfare of the pupils, and they acknowledged that this remains one of our top priorities. We provide extensive training to our staff and their professional expertise and dedication ensures that pupils have access to the highest possible standards of pastoral care.’’

Priory Prep, Surrey, named as ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted School

Priory Preparatory School has been awarded an ‘Outstanding School’ award by Ofsted for its recent Inspections held at the school. Headmaster, Graham Malcolm said ‘We are delighted to receive this award and the recognition of the excellent work going on every day in the classroom.’ Only a handful of schools in the country have received this award and it comes shortly after the excellent Independent Schools Inspectorate report when the school was also desrcribed as ‘Outstanding.’

SIBFORD SCHOOL RECEIVES GLOWING REPORT

Teachers, parents and pupils at Sibford School near Banbury are celebrating a highly successful inspection report from the ISI – the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The report states that the Quaker-run school ‘meets well its aims to encourage and enable all pupils to recognise their gifts and talents, and to realise their full potential’.

It describes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils as ‘outstanding’ and the quality of teaching and pupils’ learning and achievement as ‘good, with many examples of outstanding practice’.

The ISI, which is the body approved by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for the purpose of inspecting independent schools, looked at nine different aspects of the school and awarded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ status in all.

Sibford head, Michael Goodwin said: “Everyone is delighted with the outcome of this inspection. The published report affirms the high standards that we strive to achieve and I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff, children and their families for all their hard work, dedication and support.”

A total of nine inspectors spent a week at the school at the end of February, examining pupils’ work, observing lessons and conducting interviews with pupils and staff.

The report praises Sibford School for developing a ‘high moral sense’ amongst its pupils and says: ‘the school secures an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust in which teasing, harassment and unacceptable behaviour would find great difficulty in developing’.

Links with parents and the community are described as ‘outstanding’ as are the breadth of the curriculum and the provision for pupils of a wide variety of abilities.

The report also recognises the important dimension that overseas pupils provide to the experience of all and concludes that the quality of governance is ‘strong, purposeful and clear’ and that the leadership and management of the school are ‘confident and direct’.

Outstanding Inspection Report for RGSAO Springfield

The Independent Schools Inspectorate team (the equivalent of Ofsted for independent schools) spent four days at Springfield – the established and unique preparatory school of RGSAO Worcester – at the end of January 2009 and the final Inspection Report has just arrived.

During the four day inspection the team of inspectors had the opportunity to experience every aspect of school life for children aged from 2 to 11. They greatly praised the quality and range of the educational experience provided by the Britannia Square Preparatory School and commented on the extensive after school extra curricular programme. Standards of literacy, oracy and numeracy were rated as high and pupils were praised for their enthusiasm and exemplary behaviour.

Inspectors agreed that pupils of all ages have a well – developed spiritual awareness and the serenity and spaciousness of the six acre Springfield site were considered to assist pupils’ capacity for reflection and contemplation. “The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils is outstanding.”

Headmistress Marion Lloyd said, “I am delighted with this excellent report. I believe it is an accurate reflection of the high quality education and range of opportunities that are available to our children. It is a tribute to the outstanding teachers and children we have in Springfield, who all contribute so greatly to our school community.”

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The full ISI Inspection Report for January 2009 and Ofsted Inspection Report for June 2008 are available in the Inspection Report section of the school website www.rgsao.org/springfield

Oswestry School ‘Outstanding’ in Helping Pupils to Achieve and Enjoy Their Work

Oswestry School has been graded as ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted inspection of its boarding facilities.

The inspection took place over four days in December 2008, as part of Ofsted’s regular cycle of inspections of boarding facilities in schools. The inspectors made a rigorous examination of all aspects of boarding school life and spent time talking to pupils and parents to get their views on the school’s provision.

Six areas were assessed, in two of which the school was awarded the highest possible grade, ‘outstanding’, meaning that the provision is of exceptionally high quality. These areas were:
· ‘helping children to achieve well and enjoy what they do’
· ‘helping children make a positive contribution’.

The remaining four areas, in which the school was graded ‘good’ (the second highest grade, meaning that the provision is strong), were:
· Helping children to be healthy
· Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
· Achieving economic wellbeing
· Organisation

‘I am absolutely delighted by the outcome of this independent inspection of our boarding facilities,’ said Headmaster Paul Stockdale. ‘It bears out what I already knew: that we provide a home-from-home for our national and international boarders. Their welfare is our highest priority and they clearly enjoy and benefit greatly from the experience’.

The full report can be obtained from the school or may be accessed via Ofsted’s website.

COTTESMORE School is top of its class after inspection

COTTESMORE School in Pease Pottage, near Horsham, is top of its class after being rated as ‘outstanding’ for the second time in 11 months.

Gaining top marks at an Ofsted inspection, which took place on January 19 and 20, was a particularly sweet reward for new headmaster Tom Rogerson for whom running the school is a family tradition.

When Tom took over the IAPS day and boarding prep school with his wife Lottie in September last year, he was following in the footsteps of his father Mark, who was also headmaster as was his grandfather before that.

Tom said: “Lottie and I are so thrilled with this major endorsement from the school inspectors Ofsted. In our ISI inspection in February 2008 we were graded outstanding, but that inspection was outside our tenure, whereas this is especially great because it endorses what we are doing now.”

The couple’s consummate commitment to the school came to fruition in a ‘very positive and relaxing inspection’ at which the visiting team of inspectors judged the school to be outstanding overall and outstanding in almost every category including important areas such as health, food, boarders’ welfare and risk assessment.

Inspectors eulogized the school food, describing the chef as ‘excellent’; called the sick bay ‘a warm and friendly environment in which to recuperate’; and praised the ‘nurturing and supportive processes in place’ in the boarding facilities, where each child is treated as an individual.

The good community spirit amongst the children and very good relationships between children and staff were also lauded by inspectors.

Cottesmore, one of the UK’s leading IAPS day, weekly and full boarding preps, has been preparing 7-13-year-old children for the major public schools since its establishment in 1894.

Tom, who has high hopes for the future, added: “What is exciting is that the overall judgment of ‘outstanding’ validates us as the new team and has given us an extra boost of confidence to take the school to new levels.”

To visit Cottesmore at Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, West Sussex, call
01293 520648, e-mail schooloffice@cottesmoreschool.com or visit www.cottesmoreschool.com

Howell’s School, Llandaff Inspection Report – January 2009

The official Inspection Report following the visit of the Estyn inspectors from 10th-14th November has been published.

We are delighted to be able to record that the school received the highest grade (1) for each one of the seven key questions, namely:
How well do learners achieve?
How effective are teaching, training and assessment?
How well do the learning experiences meet the needs and interests of learners and the wider community?
How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?
How effective are leadership and strategic management?
How well do leaders and managers evaluate and improve quality and standards?
How efficient are leaders and managers in using resources?

Mrs Davis, our Principal, commented, “I am thrilled with this outstanding report which awards us a Grade One in each of the seven key areas. We are one of the last schools to be inspected under the current ESTYN inspection process. No other independent school in Wales has previously achieved this accolade. This is a great achievement which I feel accurately reflects the very high standard of education at Howell’s. The teaching and support staff are extremely talented and hard-working and everyone gives 110% for the school.”

Here are some quotations from the report:
“Throughout the school, pupils display outstanding features in their work including:
• extensive understanding, recall and application of techniques and skills in the subjects they study;
• ability to take the knowledge and skills they have learned in one topic and apply it in new contexts, for example to solve problems; and
• high levels of informed and perceptive questioning to develop their understanding further.”
“In all key stages, the personal, social and learning skills of most pupils are particularly well-developed. Pupils of all ages are highly motivated, apply themselves conscientiously to their work and work together effectively.”
“Working relationships between staff and pupils are outstanding and provide a vibrant climate for effective learning.”
“Other outstanding features in teaching include:
• very effective questioning that encourages pupils to think carefully and deeply about their work;
• a wide range of teaching methods that match pupils’ individual needs very well and set high expectations and challenging, yet achievable, targets;
• encouraging active involvement and participation in discussion and practical work with excellent use of information and communications technology to support and develop learning; and
• excellent knowledge, understanding and application of course and examination requirements.”
“The school provides outstanding opportunities to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and also their personal and social development through assemblies, well-planned lessons and charity events.”
“The provision of information and events to inform pupils about higher education opportunities and careers are outstanding.”
“There are many outstanding features in the quality of care, guidance and support for pupils. Among these are the systems for academic and pastoral support for pupils of all abilities across the school.”
“Induction and transition procedures in the primary and senior sections of the school and in the college are outstanding. Pupils of all ages confirm that they are made to feel a valued part of the school community very quickly, regardless of when they join the school.”
“There are many outstanding features in the quality of the provision for pupils with special educational needs. “These pupils have full access to the curriculum and support for them is effective and appropriately managed.”
The quality of the provision for equal opportunities has outstanding features. The school has very high expectations for pupils of all abilities and everyone is encouraged to become fully integrated into the life of the school.”
“The school is very successful in promoting tolerance, mutual respect and understanding between pupils from diverse backgrounds.”
“The school has very clear aims and objectives that are well understood and shared by everyone. The principal and her deputy provide outstanding leadership. They work well together and give the school a strong sense of purpose and direction. They are highly respected by the school community.”
“The school has extensive resources and facilities of high quality.”
“Overall the school offers a rich and broadly balanced curriculum.”
“The curriculum contributes very effectively to the achievement of the school’s aims and prepares pupils well for the next stages of their education and the world of work. The school works hard to ensure that all its pupils have equal access to all aspects of the curriculum.”
“The school provides an outstanding programme of extra-curricular clubs and activities that significantly enhances learning opportunities and experiences for all pupils. Provision covers a wide range of sporting, academic and musical activities.”
“There is mutual respect between teachers, pupils and students. Subject teachers are very supportive and approachable.”

For the full report

http://www.estyn.gov.uk/inspection_reports/howells_school_llandaff_november_2008.pdf

Outstanding Ofsted report for Glenesk School

The Staff at Glenesk School in East Horsley, Surrey is celebrating after being recognised as an ‘Outstanding Independent School’, following their Ofsted reports in June and July 2008. Glenesk has been added to the outstanding providers list published by Ofsted and will be attending a special event to celebrate their achievement.

All aspects of the quality and standards in Glenesk’s nursery were found to be ‘outstanding’ and Glenesk School was found to ‘provide a curriculum that is well matched to the pupils’ needs’ and staff were found to ‘work hard to give pupils the opportunity to achieve their best. Strong relationships between staff, pupils and their families are a significant feature of the school.’

‘Parents and pupils are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the pupils are very happy. Both Leadership and Management are outstanding and provision for the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development as well as their welfare, health and safety are also outstanding.’

Headmistress, Mrs Sue Christie-Hall, commented:
‘I am delighted that our Ofsted report confirms our aim to create a secure, purposeful and caring school, which provides an exciting environment for today’s children.’ The report goes on to state that ‘the children are making excellent progress through the early learning goals and are eager to learn and show high self-esteem and confidence within their classes.’

Glenesk is holding its next Open Morning on Thursday, 12th February 2009 – the Headmistress, Mrs Sue Christie-Hall will give a tour of the school at 10am. Individual appointments with the Headmistress are also available and all visitors are most welcome.

EXCELLENCE AT FARNBOROUGH HILL CONFIRMED BY INSPECTION REPORTS

Farnborough Hill ‘aspires to academic excellence and to giving pupils a sense of fun and enjoyment in their learning. It amply fulfils both these aims’ according to school inspectors. Inspection reports by ISI in May and by the Portsmouth Diocesan Validation team in April have just been released. Mrs Sarah Buckle, Headmistress, said “Both reports describe Farnborough Hill, its students and staff in the most glowing terms. It was gratifying to know that independent assessors came to such positive conclusions based on all the evidence before them.”

The ISI report praised all aspects of the school. Mrs Buckle commented “We were particularly pleased to have our pastoral care recognised as ‘outstanding’ and our teaching summarised by the phases ‘the staff teach enthusiastically, imaginatively and very effectively” and “many lessons are taught to an outstanding standard”.

Other statements that the school is particularly proud of include:
·‘Socially, pupils display a cheerful and enthusiastic attitude towards school life. They enjoy excellent relationships with each other, within and across year groups, and with the staff.’
·‘The pupils … are confident, without being over-confident; they are concerned for each other and for their fellow human beings; they become courteous and responsible young people.’
·‘The school has a vibrant cultural life, which pupils enjoy and in which they take pride.’
·‘The school enjoys excellent governance and strong leadership at all levels.’

Phrases used by the Diocesan Validators include:
·“The positive Christian ethos and respectful interpersonal relationships reflect the excellent spiritual and moral development of the students”
·“A dedicated and talented staff combines with the enthusiastic and well motivated students to create a community that pulsates with activity and endeavour.”
·“Teaching and attainment in Religious Education are outstanding.”

Praise is also included for Farnborough Hill’s community links, charity work, extra-curricular programme, learning support and provision for gifted and talented. Mrs Buckle says “We are very proud of the students and staff who do so much to make all this happen.”

Of course there is always room for improvement and both reports include targets and next steps for the school which had already been identified. For example Farnborough Hill is reviewing the timing of the school day to accommodate the increased time needed by students to move to the new sports hall, art, design and technology facilities.

Pilgrims School, Bedfordshire, achieves the prestigious National NACE Challenge Award for excellence