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ISI Inspection Report
| February 2008
Outstanding Inspection Report for Walthamstow Hall
The Inspection Report published by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has judged Walthamstow Hall to have many strengths, with the ‘high quality of teaching’ and academic achievement in public examinations supported by ‘outstanding provision for extra curricular activities, pastoral care, careers and higher education advice’.
The girls’ personal development and spiritual, moral and social awareness were also singled out for the highest accolade, and equally, relationships between the girls and girls and staff were found to be ‘outstanding’.
The inspection took place over four days in November 2007, and reviewed the full spectrum of school life at both Walthamstow Hall Junior School and Senior School in Sevenoaks. It included the educational experience provided, the quality of the teaching, the pastoral care and the effectiveness of leadership and management.
The report said: ‘Pupils of all ages are motivated, have a serious work ethic and approach school life with enjoyment.’ ‘Teaching sets high expectations and its effectiveness can be judged in the high level of attainment in GCSEs and A level examinations.’
Throughout the report the school’s strengths are highlighted. The following are actual extracts from the report text:
• The overall teaching throughout the school is frequently outstanding.
• Many teachers have a passion and enthusiasm for their subject and a desire to share it with pupils.
• Standardised tests confirm that the average ability of pupils is well above the national average. Their attainment overall in GCSE, over the three years to 2006, has been far above the national average for all maintained schools, with two-thirds of grades being A* or A. At A level, over the same period, attainment has been well above the national average for all maintained schools. The number of entries graded A or B has improved steadily over the last three years reaching three-quarters in 2007. Results at both levels have been above the averages for maintained selective schools.
• Provision for careers and higher education guidance is outstanding and pupils expressed appreciation for the help they have received when planning for their future.
• Conscientious staff provide a supportive atmosphere in which pastoral care is outstanding and each pupil feels respected and valued. This supports girls as they grow into young women who are articulate, thoughtful, assured and have high self-esteem. One pupil interviewed said: “teachers encourage you to believe you can achieve anything.”
• Pupils demonstrate outstandingly well-developed spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. Their personal development is outstanding.
• The improved and extended purpose-built accommodation has significantly enhanced provision for sport in both parts of the school.
• The Christian ethos of the school is central and pupils have a highly developed sense of service in the community.
• The number and variety of extra curricular activities beyond the curriculum is a major strength.
• Pupils’ individual and team achievements are outstanding and are strongly supported by the coaching and facilities provided by the school.
• Parents said they were extremely satisfied with the quality of education provided. They singled out for particular praise the quality of teaching, the range of subjects offered, the help and guidance given to their daughters and the promotion of worthwhile attitudes and values.
• The school is exceptionally well governed and this, combined with strong leadership ensures the school meets it aim which is to educate girls with academic potential to lead confident, challenging and fulfilling lives in the twenty-first century.
Jill Milner said: “It is a privilege to work with such exceptional governors and colleagues. I am thrilled that this report recognises the emphasis we place upon the girls’ wider and personal development as well as educating them for academic success at school and beyond. As the inspection report said: The school works in partnership with parents to provide the highest quality of education.”
The full copy of the report can be viewed here.
The school was last inspected in 2001.
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