Maidenhill School has received a strong endorsement from Ofsted, with inspectors praising the school’s warm community, calm classrooms and high levels of pastoral support.
The school met the Expected Standard in every area assessed under Ofsted’s tougher new inspection framework. Its safeguarding standards were also fully met, according to the report.
Inspectors said that “a sense of warmth defines the Maidenhill School community” and described the school’s culture as being based on “warm and respectful relationships”. They found that pupils “feel happy, settled and safe”, typically behave very well and learn in calm, respectful classrooms.
Pastoral support praised
The report highlighted the support available to pupils, saying that “staff provide pupils with high levels of pastoral support”. It also noted that many parents believed support from staff had enabled their children to flourish.
Ofsted recognised the role of school leaders in improving the school’s culture and ethos. Inspectors said leaders had acted decisively and created “a kind and compassionate school community where pupils have a voice”.
The report described Maidenhill as a school that “has improved steadily”. It said leaders demonstrate a principled approach and take timely, purposeful action to improve pupils’ experiences.
Staff culture was also praised. Inspectors reported that staff feel incredibly well supported, are proud to work at the school and remain committed to further improvement.
Headteacher welcomes findings
Headteacher Andy Hunter said the report recognised the warmth, care and high expectations at Maidenhill.
“Ofsted has recognised the warmth, care and high expectations that define Maidenhill. We are especially proud that inspectors saw a school where pupils feel safe, valued and supported, and where staff are deeply committed to helping them succeed.
“We are also delighted that the wider improvements made across the school are now translating into stronger academic outcomes. This report reflects the hard work of our students, staff, governors and families, and gives us a strong platform for the next stage of Maidenhill’s development.”
The school said the full Ofsted report is now available on the Maidenhill website and will shortly be published on Ofsted’s central website.
Open events announced
Maidenhill will open its doors to prospective students during a series of events. Its Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 23 September from 5pm. Open mornings are scheduled from 9.15am on Tuesday 29 September, Wednesday 30 September and Thursday 22 October.
Mr Hunter said the school was looking forward to welcoming parents and children following the Ofsted report and what it described as its best-ever set of results that summer. Further details about the events are available on the school’s website.
