Gosford Hill School celebrates outcome of recent Ofsted inspection

Gosford Hill School in Kidlington, are celebrating the outcome of their recent Ofsted Inspection. The school was inspected in February 2022 and has been rated as “Good” overall, and “Good” in all areas.

The inspection team recognised that “Leaders have significantly improved the quality of education” in school. They went on to say that “Leaders and teachers know their pupils well and work together to raise aspirations and support them to achieve their goals.” The school has invested considerable time in developing their ambitious curriculum for all students and introduced a new teaching and learning framework a few years ago, which is now having an impact in the school.

With regards to student behaviour and conduct, the report says that “Positive relationships ensure typically calm, courteous behaviour across the school. Behaviour is typically good throughout the school; most pupils are respectful and polite”.

When it comes to broader personal development, the team of inspectors found that “Pupils personal development is promoted well, including in the sixth form”. Taking this further, they found that “Staff promote pupils’ mental health and well being well.” They also referred to the quality of student leadership, particularly by SIxth Form students, and the leadership opportunities that the school offer students .

The broader extra curricular opportunities that are an important part of the schools distinctive ethos were also recognised. Inspectors noted that “Learning is enriched through a range of clubs, trips and visits. Pupils and parents enthuse about the sporting, drama and music opportunities on offer”.

Nigel Sellars, Headteacher, said, “I am immensely proud of this tremendous achievement, which is down to the hard work, commitment and determination of colleagues in school, together with the support of River Learning Trust and Governors. I’d like to thank everyone, and particularly my fantastic colleagues, for the part they’ve played in improving the quality of education at Gosford Hill School. Students are very loyal to the school and are always keen to show off their hard work and all the opportunities they have. We are also lucky to have an incredibly supportive parent body and I’d like to thank parents and carers for their support and commitment to our school. This judgement means a lot to our tight knit community and is validation of the work that we have all been putting in as a community. We now look forward to the next phase of our school improvement journey. The ambition that we have for our school will absolutely continue. Our students get one chance at their education and they deserve the best.”