Goresbrook School is celebrating being rated ‘Outstanding’ across all six categories by Ofsted for the first time, following an inspection in October. This outcome is testament to the excellent teaching and learning taking place at all levels of the school, from nursery through to Sixth Form.
From their report, it is clear that the inspectors were greatly impressed by students’ attitudes towards learning and their peers. They noted that students “show high levels of commitment to their studies” and are “courteous in their interactions” with each other. Likewise, the report found that they “value the excellent education they are receiving”, and, as a result, “flourish” at the school.
As the inspectors noted, this is thanks to a “culture of high expectations” which “pervades all aspects of the school’s work”. Staff are said to ensure that all students, including those with SEND, can access a curriculum which is “ambitious in its breadth and depth”, allowing them to “achieve exceptionally well”. Indeed, the inspectors were full of praise for staff, describing them as “proud to work at the school”.
Whilst inspectors highlighted the strength of the academic curriculum, they were equally impressed by the school’s extracurricular offering. According to the report, the school’s work to prepare students for life beyond school is “exceptional”, with students benefiting from “extensive support” with university applications as well as from “detailed” careers advice. The inspectors also found that students enjoy trips to theatres and museums as well as opportunities to take part in a diverse range of clubs, from sports to debating and music and drama.
Megan Harris, Principal at Goresbrook School, said:
“All of us at Goresbrook School are very pleased to have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in all categories. It is hugely gratifying that the inspectors were so impressed by our students’ exceptional attitudes towards learning as well as by the mature and respectful way in which they interact with each other and staff.
“Seeing our young people enjoying and engaging in their learning brings me great pride and I am thrilled that Ofsted has recognised this. Of course, none of this would be possible without our wonderful staff and I would like to thank them for their extraordinary hard work, dedication and care.”
Benjamin Antell, Director of Secondary Academies at United Learning, the group of which Goresbrook School is a part, said:
“The inspectors’ glowing report is a credit to the whole school community, reflecting the superb efforts of pupils and staff who make Goresbrook School such a wonderful place to learn. This is a thoroughly well-deserved outcome which reflects the rich, well-rounded and rewarding education pupils receive at the school.”