A secondary school praised for its “high-quality pastoral support” has kept up the standards that earned it Ofsted’s top rating. Teachers were praised for emphasising the importance of “good mental health and positive relationships”, which means pupils behave with “high levels of maturity and empathy”.
Although the education watchdog no longer gives single-word ratings, inspectors who visited Whitmore High School in Harrow for a graded inspection on March 18 and 19 said its outcomes over time “are excellent”, which has helped the school maintain the standards that earned it an ‘outstanding’ grade at its previous inspection in 2015.
In the report, published on May 12, inspectors highlighted “a clear sense of care” that resonates through what is described as a “truly inclusive school”. Pupils achieve well due to the “ambitious curriculum and inclusive ethos” set out, which includes the performance of those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
SEND students are taught alongside their peers, with staff having the knowledge and experience to adapt the lessons to ensure pupils thrive. This means they are “extremely well prepared” for the next phase of their learning, according to the report. Pupils are said to enjoy school, meaning attendance is very high.
Alongside the “consistent implementation” of the curriculum by teachers, inspectors noted that pupils’ “cultural capital” is enhanced by the enrichment programmes offered, which help provide a variety of experience for them. The school puts on clubs, such as for chess, boxing, gardening, and jazz, as well as frequent trips out to “bring their learning to life”.
The report adds: “clear sense of care resonates through this truly inclusive school. Pupils bring different life experiences with them, adding to the school’s rich community. The school provides high-quality pastoral support. This includes teaching pupils the importance of good mental health and positive relationships.”
Maintained by Harrow Council, the mixed secondary school has 1,733 pupils on the roll from ages 11 to 18 – including 381 enrolled in the sixth form. Rated as ‘good’ following its first inspection by Ofsted in 2002, it has since maintained the highest possible standards since being re-visited in 2007. This achievement has been helped by staff with “very strong subject knowledge” alongside “high-level professional development”, whilst fully preparing sixth form students for the next stage of education, employment or training.
Sustaining the school’s high performance was also put down to the leadership working together effectively “to promote a culture of continual improvement”. The governing body was said to challenge leaders “rigorously to ensure that decisions are consistently made in the best interests of pupils and staff”.
Headteacher at Whitmore High School, James Rebbitt, said: “We had five inspectors […] in school and, over two very busy days, they observed lessons, met with teachers and governors, interviewed students and got feedback from parents/carers. It is clear from our feedback that they have identified a whole series of things to celebrate.”
He added: “We have been regarded as an Outstanding school since our inspection in 2007 and this has been driven by the hard work and dedication of our staff, in every area of the school, who are unfailing in their commitment to our students. […] It is important to recognise that this report is a celebration of the effort and commitment of all the school community: students, parents, carers and staff.
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