OFSTED Report

Dear Parents/Carers

You will be aware that at the end of my first term as Headteacher at Barton Court Grammar School we were inspected by Ofsted under the new framework that was introduced in September 2019. I am pleased to be able to share our inspection report with you as it confirms what a great school Barton Court is to both teach and learn in.

Whilst the new inspection framework is much more rigorous and challenging than the previous one, there is clear recognition in the report of the many excellent features that Barton Court possesses, these are captured clearly by the inspection team. Indeed, it is increasingly rare for outstanding judgements to be awarded for ‘overall effectiveness’ or individual categories in the new framework.

As a Headteacher it is very helpful that this new style of inspection provides clear judgements about different aspects of school life – rather than use one word to try and judge your school’s many different parts. To that end, the report is very clear, there are several areas in which our school is ‘outstanding’ including: students’ behaviour and attitudes; personal development and leadership and management. Where our school is ‘good’ there is clear guidance to help us to improve and this will provide focus for our staff development and future school improvement planning.

Crucially, any school looking to improve needs strong leadership, skilled teachers and great students. These characteristics shine through the report and will enable us – staff, students, parents and governors – to work together to ensure that Barton Court thrives in the future for the benefit of our school and the wider community.

Thank you for the considerable support you provide as a parent body, which is recognised in the report too. It is really appreciated by the staff, the senior team and myself.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Hopkins
Headteacher

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