The truth about recently badged ‘Outstanding’ schools?*
Is that they are outstanding. In every way, no matter what criteria you are using.
It is what I have found after walking into scores of recently outstanding, and other, schools for over a decade.
And these were all schools set in tough contexts.
I’ve followed and walked with many schools on their journey to becoming outstanding.
And they deserve it, they make your heart sing!
But often we criticise ‘outstanding’ as if it’s not real.
That somehow the judgement has been ‘gamed’ or the school was inspected so long ago the reality no longer matches the grading.
I agree a lot of schools that were outstanding aren’t any more.
But a lot also retain the grade, because they are continuously pushing the boundaries of excellence.
Take Eastgate Academy, Norfolk, led by Linda Hothersall, Headteacher, for example.
It’s a one-and-half form entry school.
They have a higher-than-average number of pupils eligible for school meals, requiring SEN support, and pupils who speak English as an additional language.
In 2014, the school went into special measures.
Linda joined as head and set about improving the school for their community.
Within 3 years, in January 2017, the school was ‘outstanding’ and then again in May 2023. I defy anyone to walk into Eastgate Academy and not agree that they are providing genuinely stunning education.
I’ve taken a lot of headteachers to visit Jo Savidge’s school, Clockhouse Primary School in Havering, to hear heads say ‘if this isn’t outstanding I don’t know what is’ (and that was about 2 weeks before their inspection and outstanding grade).
The same is true of Ian Scotchbrook and the team at South Harringay Schools.
Dave Sammels of Mayflower Primary School, has been outstanding three times since 2017.
And Paula Philips, of East Wichel Primary School (the photo is from their school).
And the list happily goes on.
So if there’s a school near you who has recently become outstanding across the board, go and see it. I hope it will inspire you and give you an armful of ideas.
And if you’d like to meet some of the headteachers of some of the recently outstanding schools I know then come along to:
Outstanding Against the Odds 2024:
Best practice from recently Outstanding Headteachers
Thursday 21st November 2024
1 ticket gives online access to your and your leadership team
https://ukheadsup.com/events/outstanding-against-the-odds/
Tickets £360+VAT
Speakers include:
- Dave Sammels – Mayflower Primary School, outstanding 3 times since 2017.
- Dawn Titus – St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School, outstanding Jan 2013 and Jan 2024 (and whilst working amidst a context of gangs!).
- Lucy Mastrocola – Coombe Hill Junior School, outstanding Oct 2023.
- Executive Head, Justin Creasey & Head of School, Lucie Dawn in Leyton – Willow Brook Primary School, Outstanding in 2017 and again in 2023.
- Andrea Parker, Executive Headteacher, Bonneville Primary School, achieved outstanding May 2024
You can find out more about the heads and their schools here.
*i.e. Ones that are rated ‘Outstanding’ in every category within the last twelve months.
Spotlight Resource
Do you want more tested truths about outstanding schools?
Check out our ‘Special Report: 5 myths about ‘outstanding’ schools put to the test’:
https://ukheadsup.com/outstanding-myths/
- Is it impossible to maintain ‘outstanding’?
- Is it easier for ‘outstanding’ schools because they come from areas with easier demographics?
- Do ‘outstanding’ schools get better results?
- Surely ‘outstanding’ schools have fewer pupils who require additional support?
- Do they have more money than other schools?