'Thriving' Halesowen high school and sixth form is graded ‘Outstanding in all judgement areas’ in recent Ofsted inspection
Staff and students at Windsor High School and Sixth Form in Halesowen are celebrating Ofsted success after the school achieved ‘Outstanding’ across every judgement area in its inspection last month.
The school and sixth form, which was deemed ‘Good-improving’ at its last inspection in June 2022, was praised by inspectors for ensuring that all students can “achieve their dreams”.
Recognising “a culture of positivity right across the school”, inspectors said that “pupils’ attitude to learning is exemplary”, students “behave in a friendly, courteous manner” and are “kind, empathetic and polite” towards each other. The report noted that “pupils work hard, aspire highly and contribute to the thriving life of [the] unique school” and “make the most of every moment”.
Inspectors found that the curriculum at the school is “expertly designed to be challenging for all” and that students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) “receive detailed, timely and appropriate support as they learn”. This “targeted support” ensures that all young people “do very well”.
The school’s work to promote students’ personal potential was described by inspectors as a “stand-out feature” and commended “the carefully designed pastoral structure” with its “thriving house system” in helping young people at the school feel like they belong.
Staff at the school were praised too, with inspectors noting that teachers are “experts in the subjects that they teach” and staff “regularly praise and reward pupils”, enforcing their “very high expectations with kindness.” Furthermore, inspectors commended the “strong leadership”, “clear strategic vision” and “consistent evaluation” set by the headteacher and senior leaders at the school.
Commenting on the findings of the Ofsted report, headteacher, Stephen Lanckham, who has been headteacher at the school for just under a decade, said: “It has been my privilege to serve as headteacher of this extraordinary school for nearly a decade. Here at Windsor, students, families and staff share a commitment to excellence that has brought us to this incredible milestone. This report is a tribute to the collective commitment of our school community, where every single person works tirelessly to unlock the academic and personal potential of our young people. I couldn’t be prouder of this exceptional community.”
Dan Owen, Director of Education at Windsor Academy Trust, commented: “This is a tremendous achievement! To be judged outstanding in all judgement areas is testament to the hard work of so many people at the school, and across the wider Windsor Academy Trust family. Most importantly though, it means the best possible outcomes and the brightest of futures for our young people.”
Dawn Haywood, Chief Executive Officer at Windsor Academy Trust, added: “As the founding school of the Windsor Academy Trust family, I could not be more proud of our leaders, staff and young people at the school. This report recognises the school’s incredible commitment to ensuring students thrive and feel a sense of belonging, and reflects the collective strength of our family of schools who work collaboratively to unlock the academic and personal potential of all our young people.”
