Ofsted report, November 2022
Varndean School is delighted to share the final report from our recent Ofsted inspection.
You can read the report here:
Five inspectors, all of whom are serving, or recently serving, headteachers or executive headteachers, spent 2 full days in our school talking with staff, governors and students as well as watching many lessons. We are pleased that their report accurately captures the strengths of our school and recognises, not only, the progress we have already made but our ambition and drive to do even more.
Some of the highlights of the report include:
The recognition for our students who are “impressive” who show “unwaveringly strong respect for others”
The strength of our teachers who are rightly described as “real experts in their field” who “adapt their lessons extremely well”
The validation of the quality of our pastoral care which they call “exceptionally strong” and report that “students are known and individually cared for” which reflects the success of our small school system and the staff who work in these teams
The emphasis on personal development that means that students are “extremely well prepared for adult life”
The relationships that are forged and the inclusivity that means that Varndean is a “safe place to be different”
The lead inspector commented on the far higher than usual number of responses to the parents’ survey and how the team had read all the comments that were made.
Headteacher Shelley Baker said:
The successes of the school are underpinned by an exceptional team of staff, who it is a pleasure to work alongside, our wonderful students who are so proud of their school and the strong partnerships with families which support our work.
I would like to thank all our families for the ongoing confidence and trust they place in us - it really does make a difference to our work and success.
