A North London secondary school that “prioritises academic excellence” has kept up the standards that earned it Ofsted’s top rating. There is also a focus on developing “the whole individual”, with students involved in running clubs and hosting events – including its own ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ style show.
Although the education watchdog no longer gives single-word ratings, inspectors visited Claremont High School in Brent for a graded inspection on March 25 and 26. Although it wasn’t given an overall effectiveness grade – instead it was judged on its quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; and leadership – the school had maintained the standards that earned it an ‘outstanding’ rating at its previous inspection in 2015.
In the report, inspectors described the education students get as “meticulously designed and well-structured”, which provides the tools necessary to prepare them for the future. Pupils receive “high quality teaching” that allows them to thrive, whilst embedding them with “strong attitudes to learning” and good behaviour.
Part of the Chrysalis Multi-Academy Trust, the mixed secondary school has 1,650 pupils on the roll from ages 11 to 18, including 246 students enrolled in its sixth form. There are opportunities for pupils to take on roles as head students, senior prefects and college captains, whilst sixth-form students also take “an active role” in running clubs and make “significant contributions” to school events – including hosting ‘Claremont’s Got Talent’.
School captains selected eight stand-out acts to perform in the grand final, following a series of auditions held across Years 7 to 12. The finalists then underwent weeks of mentoring and coaching to hone their acts, with the end result described by the school’s Head of Colleges, Alex Lipman, as “nothing short of spectacular”. The overall winners on the night included a rendition of Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain and a blindfolded band performance of Daft Punk hit Get Lucky.
Inspectors highlighted that adults and pupils alike “fully embrace” the school’s values of “enjoyment, perseverance, aspiration, respect and excellence” and its motto ‘Take part, get involved and try something new,’ is “deeply embedded in its culture”. Students engage with the school’s “comprehensively planned” co-curricular programme, which includes performing arts productions, sporting activities, trips, and fundraising for charities.
The report states: “Pupils live up to the school’s very high expectations of behaviour. Low-level disruption is never tolerated. Pupils are highly respectful and courteous to each other. For the few pupils who struggle to meet the school’s expectations, the school ensures that appropriate and relevant support is put into place. Incidents of bullying and discrimination are very rare, and the school acts swiftly to handle any issues.”
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are also said to be “prioritised” at the school. Staff are described as “well trained to recognise needs” and will adjust work to cater for pupils’ additional needs when required. As a result, students with SEND “achieve very well.”
Claremont High School was approached for comment but did not respond ahead of publication. In recognition of the report, the school noted on its website: “We are really proud that Ofsted recognises the strengths of our school, grading Whitmore Outstanding in all five categories following our inspection in March. This impressive report demonstrates the commitment and dedication of all of our students, staff and wider school community.”
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