Fearnhill Family praised by Ofsted
We are delighted to share the news that Ofsted inspectors have graded Fearnhill School as ‘Good’.
School inspectors visited Fearnhill School just a few days into the new term and concluded that the school was ‘Good’ in all areas, a positive improvement since the last inspection three years ago.
Headteacher Liz Ellis said: “We are delighted that the team of Ofsted inspectors recognised the quality of work and progress at Fearnhill.
“They acknowledged the major improvements that have taken place since 2019 and gave their seal of approval to all aspects of the school’s work.
She concluded: ”All members of the school community; students, staff, governors, parents and carers, continue to work together every day to ensure the best possible education is available to Letchworth children.”
The inspectors commented particularly on the fact that pupils describe the school as being ‘like a family’, describing students as ‘happy and safe’.
The report states: “Pupils value the positive relationships they have with staff and each other. They learn important values such as tolerance and compassion. In their experience, it is fine to be different.
“Classroom routines are well established to support all pupils to participate fully in their lessons. Pupils are engaged in their lessons and learn effective strategies for remembering new information. This helps them to achieve well.
“Pupils know how to behave appropriately. They behave well in the vast majority of lessons and during social time. The school environment is calm and orderly.
“Pupils enjoy school. They speak positively about the extra-curricular and enrichment activities that they take part in, such as sports and performing arts. Many pupils are also involved in the ‘Fearnhill Flyers’ programme which partners with Balliol College, Oxford.”
The report goes onto praise school leaders for their investment in staff training and curriculum development to ensure that all students and pupils achieve well.
Inspectors highlighted the support that students receive from staff in regards to their social and cultural development, commending leaders for their provision through tutor time, assemblies, visiting speakers and lessons, focusing on developing the qualities of a ‘Fearnhill Student’. The five attributes of a Fearnhill students are: kindness, resilience, self-awareness and confidence. Inspectors observed that many students demonstrate the qualities of a ‘Fearnhill Student’ by supporting younger pupils.
All pupils, including students in the sixth form, receive independent careers advice offering relevant information about academic and technical training opportunities this leads to the majority of sixth-formers having a good understanding of opportunities available to them once they finish school.
Liz Ellis confirmed: ‘We will continue to grow and flourish as a school community with the support of everyone in the ‘Fearnhill Family’.
Trained Ofsted inspectors visit a school for two days and publish a report to detail their findings – and categorise the school into one of four categories: ‘outstanding’, ‘good’, ‘requires improvement’ and ‘inadequate’.
The report can be read in full here.