Celebrating our latest and comprehensively positive Ofsted report

 

The Burgate was inspected by Ofsted on 26 and 27 November 2024 to determine whether effective action had been taken to maintain standards identified at the last outstanding/good inspection in May 2019.

 

The new report published on 20 December 2024 highlights not only how these outstanding/good standards have advanced but also how The Burgate’s dedication to excellence and continuous improvement benefit its students and the wider community.

 

This report comes after the publication of the school’s excellent GCSE examination data which is well above the national average with 85% of students passing both Maths and English.

 

We are thrilled to share the outcome and report from our latest Ofsted inspection which recognises our considerable efforts to ensure we provide students with a fantastic education within a happy and dynamic environment.

 

Below, Headteacher, David Pover explains the main findings: ​​​

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​"I am particularly pleased that the report begins by stating that, “Pupils thrive at this welcoming and happy school.” and “The school’s relational and inclusive approaches are at the heart of all it does.” Our positive and engaging school culture is something we have worked particularly hard at over the past few years and the commitment of our staff to it has led to The Burgate’s wide recognition for its innovative approach to modern education.

 

In my meetings with the inspectors, they praised teachers’ high expectations and our broad, ambitious and inter-connected curriculum, which goes far beyond the focus of ‘passing examinations’.  It was gratifying to learn that ‘Parents value the balance struck between striving for high academic standards and the personal development of each pupil.’

 

The inspectors remarked on the ‘calm and lovely atmosphere’ of our classrooms, where learning is the priority for our focussed students whose behaviour is ‘exemplary’ (frequently repeated by the inspectors). As you would undoubtedly expect, the students made us feel most proud of them – their kindness, courtesy and positivity really shone through, whether it was with a warm smile or holding a door open for the inspectors. Also, that our students willingly shared their achievements and aspirations with the inspectors was especially impressive.

 

Our trustees ‘know the school very well’ and provide strong support for our staff who work closely together with a collegiate team spirit that is a real strength of The Burgate. The inspectors were really impressed by our rich and varied extra-curricular programme which develops character and nurtures pupils’ talents and interests. They noted that, ‘Staff ensure that the activities are open to all.’ and that, ‘Pupils value these and participate widely in them.’

 

Another area of excellence is our sixth form, where students are committed to being successful and demonstrate an independence more akin to a higher education ethos rather than a sixth form. Moreover, the influence of our sixth form students as positive and supportive role models for the rest of the school is significant.

 

Above all, it is the strong sense of belonging that our school has, with everyone proud to be involved: staff, students, parents and trustees given the due recognition that they richly deserve.  Looking back over reports since the early 1990s, I believe this to be the best Ofsted report that the school has ever received.

 

As always, the support for the school from parents and for what we are striving to achieve together is invaluable: inspectors said that parental feedback was especially appreciative, with very high satisfaction rates based on strong collaboration between school and home. For me the most gratifying aspect of this Ofsted inspection is that an extremely high proportion of parents would wholeheartedly recommend The Burgate. ​​​

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​To view the full 2024 Ofsted Report please click on the link here.​​​​​

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