Letter from the Headteacher in relation to OFSTED inspection and report

Dear Families,

Following our recent OFSTED inspection at the end of January 2019, I am delighted to share with you their findings, and the impressions that students and staff gave of Chestnut Grove. Please click on the link below to access the report.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, the students and governors for their contribution over many years.  I am extremely PROUD that the inspectors recognise that ‘pupils value their education’ and ‘are fully committed to their school’ and that ‘the behaviour of pupils is outstanding.’  OFSTED identified how the school’s ‘redesigned curriculum offers a broad range of learning experiences, which are tailored to pupils’ individual needs’ and that the school has embedded ‘the right culture for learning.’

The inspection team were impressed with every aspect of the school and judged the overall effectiveness to be Good, with Outstanding judgements for Leadership and Management, Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare and the Sixth form, which offers a ‘wide range of academic and vocational courses that support pupils’ future career aspirations and prepare them exceptionally well for their next steps.’  Furthermore, the inspectors found the quality of leadership to be ‘exceptional.’ This is a testament to the commitment of governors, the senior leadership team and middle leaders who are all ’unwavering and unstinting in their drive to improve the school.’  OFSTED agree fully with our self-evaluation, confirming our vision for future development. 

Overall, student outcomes were judged as good and this is largely due to the fact that, whilst outcomes at the end of Key Stage 4 are above average in virtually every area, not enough of our children are doing the English Baccalaureate to secure an ‘above average’ Progress 8 score. We are committed to ensuring that we maintain a broad and balanced curriculum which emphasises the importance of the Arts, even though this does not necessarily support the Progress 8 agenda. Where students are opting to study English Baccalaureate subjects (Humanities and Languages) ‘progress has been consistently above average’.

The report also acknowledges some of the challenges that we have faced with recruiting specialist subject teachers in Mathematics and Science. Working with the governors we have put in place a strategy which has secured ‘expert teachers in every learning area’ and offers great potential as we move forward.

Do take the time to read the report; it really does capture so many of the outstanding features of our school community. Most importantly, the recognition of our capacity to improve even more and the range of outstanding aspects of our school show that excellence is at our fingertips. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
 

Kind regards,

Christian Kingsley
Headteacher