A Watford secondary school was labelled "remarkable" in a glowing ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report today.
After visiting Watford Grammar School for Girls on March 5 and 6, Ofsted inspectors gave it the highest possible grades in all categories.
The Lady’s Close secondary academy was praised in all areas including “exceptional” achievement in national exams as well as behaviour, leadership, and personal development.
Headteacher Sylvia Tai said: “The outcome of the Ofsted inspection is a pleasing recognition of the long-established quality of pastoral and academic standards at Watford Girls.
“We are delighted they recognised the strength of the community and the hard-working staff that create this ‘remarkable school’.”
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Inspectors met with the senior leadership team, board of trustees, and pupils, while also considering surveys and an online questionnaire for parents and carers.
Ofsted took “deep dives” into English, foreign languages, science, and computing where inspectors visited a sample of lessons and looked at pupils’ work.
They found that children it spoke to were “rightly proud” to attend Watford Grammar School.
“Pupils are caring, kind and considerate of others,” it added. “Being a ‘Watford Girl’ is important because it gives pupils a strong sense of belonging, heritage and shared values.
“While recognising its rich history, the school continues to adapt and evolve to provide the best opportunities for pupils.”
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were found to achieve particularly well at the school.
Staff were found to have strong subject knowledge and explained things clearly in sample lessons while using questioning to deepen pupils' knowledge. The school apparently supports them well with “high-quality” training and support.
Safeguarding arrangements were also found to be effective.
The school is listed as being “not previously inspected” by Ofsted because it had converted to an academy since its previous inspection. However at that inspection, in 2007, it was also judged ‘outstanding’.
The school has 1,451 girls aged 11 to 18 on its school roll, of which 401 are part of the sixth form.
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