OFSTED Inspectors Impressed with Chiswick School
Report significant improvements since their last visit
Headteacher Laura Ellener (right) celebrates the report with pupils
March 5, 2025
A report made by OFSTED inspectors after a visit to Chiswick School has highlighted significant improvements in all areas since their last visit.
They made their inspection this January, five years after the last one when the school was found to be Good with Outstanding Personal Development. This time the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
This latest return was for an ungraded inspection but the intention is that a full inspection will be made in due course.
The inspection report released this Wednesday (5 March) commends the school for the "exceptional level of care and support" provided to students, ensuring their academic success, well-being, and personal development. Inspectors found that students at Chiswick School "achieve well, are kept safe and are thoroughly prepared for their next steps." Sixth form students and older pupils acknowledged the school's transformation, expressing their trust in teachers and valuing them as "highly positive role models."
Behaviour and learning expectations were recognised as strengths, with inspectors noting that "pupils are expected to behave well and engage positively in their learning, which they do." The report also praised students for reading and writing "like experts," demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm in lessons.
Beyond academic success, the breadth of extracurricular opportunities at Chiswick School was noted. OFSTED highlighted the "wealth of opportunities" available to students, including music, sport, drama, art, science, and politics. The school's orchestra, steel band, and choir regularly perform at prestigious venues, while extracurricular activities such as boxing, computing, drama, and rowing provide diverse enrichment experiences. Students also benefit from cultural activities, including theatre visits, museum trips, and overseas residentials.
The school’s curriculum was described as "meticulously designed," ensuring that students build strong foundations in their learning and achieve highly across a broad range of subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive exceptional support, and literacy is a key focus, with inspectors noting that "all pupils gain the accuracy, fluency and confidence in reading they need to access the full curriculum."
The dedication of Chiswick School’s staff was also praised, with the report highlighting their subject expertise and ability to inspire students. Inspectors observed that "teachers design tasks that effectively enable pupils to practise and apply new knowledge," ensuring deep understanding and strong academic outcomes.
On personal development OFSTED acknowledged that "the school has extremely high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct, applied consistently." Relationships between staff and students were described as "warm and respectful," fostering a positive learning environment. The report also praised the school's approach to character development, preparing students to be "responsible, respectful, and active citizens." Initiatives such as the sixth form ‘give back hour,’ where students contribute to their school and local community, were commended.
Headteacher Laura Ellener responded by saying. “I am happy that the efforts of the school community have been recognised. The numbers of applications to the school demonstrate that Chiswick School has become a desirable destination at both Year 7 and Year 12. I am delighted that Ofsted recognised the strong academic outcomes and the wider offer from the school which we believe is key to ensuring our students are happy and prepared for a wonderful adult life”.
The full report will be published on Ofsted's Website and can be found on the school’s website – www.chiswickschool.org.
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