The Howard School is today celebrating a monumental Ofsted result, having secured the first ‘Exceptional’ criteria grading for a secondary school in Kent, under the new Ofsted framework. This result comes amidst an overwhelmingly positive Ofsted inspection, which also sees the school receiving four ‘Strong Standard’ and two ‘Expected Standard’ judgements.
Of schools inspected so far under the new Ofsted framework, only 1-2 % have received an ‘Exceptional’ in any category, and no other Secondary School (including Grammar Schools) in Kent or Medway is yet to have to done so. Additionally, only 15% have received a ‘Strong Standard’ judgement in any category.
Inspectors judged Personal Development and Wellbeing to be ‘Exceptional’, a grade reserved for practice that is among the very best in the country. Inspectors found that the school’s work to support pupils’ mental health, character, and spiritual growth has a "transformational” impact, particularly for its most vulnerable learners. They noted that “leaders recognise their role in ensuring that their pupils go on to be positive members of the community”, and that their “pre-emptive work around discrimination means that pupils’ develop a keen understanding of tolerance and acceptance”.
Curriculum and Teaching, Attendance and Behaviour, Inclusion, and Leadership and Governance were all judged as ‘Strong Standard’, highlighting the clear strategic vision of leaders and governors in driving school improvement, and the school’s knowledge-rich curriculum. Their ability to remove barriers for every pupil was recognised as a significant strength. It was noted that “leaders have established a calm environment across the school where pupils' conduct is excellent. Pupils are polite and respectful to staff and each other” and “attendance is above national averages, and persistent absence is below national averages”.
Achievement and Post-16 were also found to meet the ‘Expected Standard’, with “overall progress which [is] above national averages over time”. The Sixth Form curriculum, it was noted, is “designed to meet students’ needs”, with “expert career guidance” which allows students to go onto “highly aspirational higher education and apprenticeships”.
Speaking of the school’s success, Mr Johal, Principal of The Howard School, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the fantastic things that Ofsted said about our school, and the parental and carer feedback given to Ofsted via the Ofsted questionnaire. Ofsted commented that they had rarely seen such positive feedback from parents and careers. This inspection was conducted under the current, more rigorous framework, which has significantly raised the bar for what constitutes "good" or "outstanding" practice across all categories. In an era where meeting these elevated standards requires a higher level of evidence and consistency than ever before, we are incredibly proud of our results.”
Owen McColgan, Chief Executive of THAT, also celebrated the school’s achievements:
"The Howard School has a long history of delivering a high-quality education for the young people of Medway, and this report provides external recognition of the exceptional work taking place across the school every day.
We are incredibly proud that the school received an Exceptional grade for Personal Development and Wellbeing. This is a significant achievement. Ofsted has made it clear that Exceptional practice represents provision that is among the very best nationally and from which other schools can learn. Such judgements are rare and rightly reserved for schools delivering something truly special.
We are particularly proud that the report reflects what we see every day at The Howard School: a school with high expectations, strong values and a relentless commitment to ensuring every young person can succeed. This outcome is thoroughly deserved and is a testament to the dedication of staff, leaders and governors who work tirelessly to provide the very best for pupils."
The full report can be found here: