Girls school celebrate outstanding Ofsted report (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

St Albans Girls School celebrate outstanding Ofsted report

12:00pm Friday 8th February 2013 in News By Zoe Forsey, Senior Reporter

Staff and pupils at a school in St Albans are celebrating after receiving an outstanding grade from Ofsted across the board.

St Albans Girls School in Sandridgebury Lane received the highest grade available from the schools education watchdog.

Achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management were all judged as outstanding by inspectors.

Head girl, Poppy Nash said: "Receiving an outstanding grade as a result of our recent Ofsted inspection means so much to all the staff, teachers and students.

"When Ofsted visited two weeks ago we were nervous that they would only see a small snippet of how amazing our school is but our excellent teaching and sense of community won out.

"When Mrs Chapman shared the news with us to the whole school there were loud cheers and a lot of smiles.

"Every student at STAGS knows how lucky we are to learn in an environment where we can all flourish and excel and we are all extremely proud of what the school has achieved by earning this outstanding grade."

A team of inspectors observed 40 lessons during their visit, which took place on January 22 and 23.

More than 200 parents and carers also filled in an online survey to give their views on the school and 33 teachers took part in a staff questionnaire.

In the report lead inspector David Radomsky said: "The headteacher, senior and middle leaders along with governors aspire for excellence in achievement, the quality of teaching and the personal development for every student.

"Leaders thoroughly check all aspects of the school’s work, and address any identified shortcomings speedily.

"High quality training for teachers and leaders has played a major part in raising standards."

"The school has an excellent system for keeping a close eye on how well all students are doing. Those identified as not being on track to meet their ambitious targets are given valuable and personalised support."

The school, which transferred to academy status in 2011, has 1137 pupils.

Although it is mainly a girl's school, boys can attend the sixth form.

Headteacher Margaret Chapman said: "We are delighted to have achieved an outstanding judgement for our school.

"I am extremely grateful to all members of the school community, staff, parents and governors for the hard work, dedication and support given to our students."

Mr Radomsky also praised the behaviour of children at the school.

He said: "Students are unfailingly polite, courteous and welcoming to all.

"The small number of boys studying in the sixth form say that they were made to feel very welcome and were well integrated into the school.

"Students’ attitude to learning, behaviour and all aspects of school life are exemplary.

"The value and thrive on the many opportunities to take responsibility, as well as the exciting range of enrichment activities on offer. As a result they develop very strong spiritual, moral, social and cultural values."