School's 'milestone achievement' sees it rated 'outstanding' for personal development

An OFSTED Monitoring Inspection of Chiswick School has rated the school ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ features in what the school describes as a "milestone achievement."

The school has been working hard to bring its level up from 'requires improvement' to its previous 'Good' grading.

Ofsted inspected Chiswick School on 22 and 2 January 2020, with both Chiswick School and Chiswick School Sixth Form receiving a ‘Good’ rating.

Inspectors gave students’ personal development an ‘Outstanding’ rating. This measures the school’s curriculum beyond the academic and the wider work that is done to support learners to develop their character, and how the school prepares learners for the future.

Headteacher Laura Ellener said pupils and staff would continue to work hard to ensure Chiswick School is one of the finest schools in London and the school of choice for Chiswick parents.

The report highlights “ambitious” leaders who have contributed to the school’s success over the last year and states that pupils are respectful towards each other, and sixth form students provide excellent role models for younger students.

Among Chiswick School’s key strengths recognised in the report were:
• Leaders are ambitious for pupils to do well
• Opportunities for pupils' personal development are exceptional
• Pupils behaviour is good, pupils are respectful towards others in lessons and as they move around the school site. This supports a calm and positive atmosphere in which pupils feel safe.
• Staff praise leaders for the improvements that have been made, and staff morale is high.
This success was summarised by a parent quote in the report: “Empowering students to be ambitious and proud isn't just a mantra here; it’s lived and breathed every day.”

A new Elite sports programme was also launched in September 2019 to support students’ development outside of the classroom.

Ms Ellener said, “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised how far Chiswick School has come. At Chiswick School, we take each child’s education personally. We expect excellence from our students and the staff supporting and teaching them. Our vision is that we do whatever it takes to ensure every student achieves their full potential, and over the last year we have made rapid progress towards this goal. Over the next four years we are aiming to become one of the finest schools in London and the school of choice for Chiswick parents.”

Rachel Jerrome, Chair of Governors said, “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent inspection and particularly proud of the recognition we’ve received for providing our students with ‘exceptional’ opportunities for personal development. Ms Ellener and her team have worked hard to make such rapid progress and work is already underway to build what will be a very bright future for Chiswick School and its pupils.”

February 25, 2020