Ofsted highlights positive progress at Gosford Hill School

Gosford Hill School was recognised for meeting the ‘expected standard’ across six key areas under Ofsted’s new report card system.

This approach no longer uses one-word judgements and instead focuses on narrative feedback.

Under the new Ofsted framework, the ‘expected standard’ indicates that a school is doing everything it should to deliver a high-quality education.

Inspectors highlighted high expectations, skilled teaching, and a ‘calm learning environment’ as some of the school’s strengths.

The Ofsted report noted that pupils ‘enjoy their learning’ and ‘generally achieve well’, describing lessons as calm and purposeful.

Gosford Hill School, which is part of the River Learning Trust, met the standard in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership, and personal development.

Ofsted inspectors were particularly impressed by the quality of teaching, stating that teachers demonstrate ‘detailed subject knowledge’ and benefit from high-quality professional development.

This, they found, enables effective delivery of the curriculum and supports all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The report also praised the school’s collaboration with families to ensure ‘impactful and consistent’ support for pupils with SEND.

Inspectors noted that the school’s culture helps students develop social skills and feel ‘a sense of belonging’, and commended the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer, particularly in sports.

Leadership was also described as strong, with Ofsted finding that leaders, governors and trustees have an ‘accurate understanding’ of the school’s journey and are taking ‘decisive action’ in areas such as attendance and behaviour.

The Ofsted team also said the school ‘unfailingly places the best interests of pupils at the centre of its work’ and is ‘unapologetic in wanting the very best for pupils’.

Nigel Sellars, headteacher at Gosford Hill School, said: “This outcome is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, and the determination and resilience of our students.

“We are proud of what we have achieved and will continue striving to provide the very best opportunities for every young person in our care.”

Paul James, chief executive of the River Learning Trust, said: “It is clear from this report that Gosford Hill is a school on an intentional, positive trajectory.

“The leadership team has a very accurate grasp of their strengths and the areas they are further developing.

“The sense of improvement and the commitment to high standards are evident throughout the inspectors’ findings.

“We look forward to continuing our support for the school as it builds on these successes for the benefit of the whole community.”