Hazel Grove High School, which is a part of the Laurus Trust, has been praised by Ofsted, as it is awarded Outstanding in three out of five categories and a Good status overall.
The report highlights how the school provides ‘high quality encouragement and support’ that is underpinned by a strong culture of ‘high ambition’ and ‘personal development’.
During the inspection, which took place on the 18th and 19th of January, inspectors noted how staff at the school were ‘approachable and highly supportive’ and how students are assured that ‘the staff care about them’.
Throughout the report, inspectors praised a wide range of areas where the school is working exceptionally hard to provide the best educational opportunities for its students. Notably:
- Inspectors were impressed with the high-quality encouragement and support that the teachers provide the students and noted how this has enabled students to achieve increasingly well.
- The school’s exceptional approach to their students’ personal development was highlighted as a particular strength. ‘Leaders and staff ensure students have access to an extensive range of additional opportunities and that regardless of their background, students receive a rich understanding of the world around them. The inspectors noted how through these opportunities, the students had become thoughtful, reflective, and considerate citizens.’
- Inspectors also praised the school and Trust leaders’ work to transform the culture of staff development by offering staff access to extensive opportunities to develop their specific knowledge and skills. They explained ‘staff have used these opportunities to make a real difference in how they deliver the curriculum, and consequently, this has led to a significant improvement in students’ achievement, attitudes to learning and behaviour.’
- Ofsted inspectors praised the school for its ambitious and inclusive curriculum that supports students who are disadvantaged and those with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Specialist staff support students in overcoming any specific challenges to their learning which has meant they achieve well.
- The Sixth Form was also highlighted as a particular strength by Ofsted, as inspectors noted that students are supported extremely well to reach demanding goals. ’Students in the Sixth Form are accessing an aspirational and carefully designed programme of study that meets their specific needs. Teachers are highly skilled in supporting students to quickly acquire complex knowledge and ensure they are exceptionally well-prepared for their next steps in education, employment, or training.’
- Ofsted also praised the behaviour of the students and noted how they often look after and support each other well. They went on to say ‘staff at the school have successfully embedded high expectations for students’ behaviour.’
The overwhelmingly positive feedback that the school has received from Ofsted inspectors, is a testament to the hard work of the staff, students, and wider community over the past couple of years. Leadership at the school, with the support of the Trust, have built a strong foundation that has supported the school’s consistent improvement and has enabled students to flourish.
Martin Stewart, Head of School at Hazel Grove High School, said: “I am incredibly proud that the hard work of our staff, in ensuring each of our students has access to a high-quality education and extensive opportunities to thrive, has been recognised in this report.
“Every member of staff at our school consistently does ‘whatever it takes’ to support each of our students and provide them with an exceptional education. A crucial part of our success has been their commitment to making a real difference for every single child and young person at our school.
“Over the past 2 years, we have made some crucial changes in all areas of school life, and it is great to see our success in instilling a culture of high ambition, praised within the report. Moving forward, we will continue to embed an ethos of high aspiration, where each and every student is offered every opportunity to open the door to the future of their choice
Linda Magrath OBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Laurus Trust, said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to the whole community at Hazel Grove High School on this hugely positive and well-deserved report.
“Since welcoming the school into our Trust, the Hazel Grove staff have done a fantastic job at embodying the Laurus culture of being unashamedly academic, by creating an environment where every student, regardless of their background, can thrive.”
To read the full report click here: Ofsted Report 2022