Hove Park continues to be a good school

I am pleased to share the final report from our Ofsted inspection in December 2021. The report will also be available on the Ofsted website within the next 10 working days.

The inspection team that visited the school last term confirmed that Hove Park School and Sixth Form Centre continues to be a good school.

In addition, I am pleased that the report also acknowledges the significant strengths of the school and the progress made over the last 5 years. The opening paragraph highlights everything we value;

Pupils are proud ambassadors of the school. There is a strong community ethos underpinned by positive relationships. Pupils of all abilities and backgrounds are valued. They appreciate the support for their welfare and well-being, including their mental health.

It reinforces the importance of our vision to provide a whole education for every student;

The school’s ‘Every Child Should’ strategy supports the development of the whole child, beyond the formal curriculum. This is highlighted through a wide range of activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. It is also supported through enrichment days focused on topics such as equalities, music and the arts.

and acknowledges the strength of the curriculum and teaching staff;

Leaders have planned an ambitious curriculum that builds knowledge and skills from Year 7 to Year 13 in a logical order. Most pupils study the English Baccalaureate qualification, ensuring breadth and balance. Leaders have a clear vision for the curriculum. They ensure that the curriculum caters for pupils’ academic and personal development.

Teachers have good subject knowledge. They are skilled in using assessment to identify where pupils have missing knowledge. They use assessment well to present their subject in exciting and interesting ways. This helps most pupils to know more and remember more.

In the last couple of years, we have made significant changes to the way we organise learning across the two sites and the curriculum that is taught. I am incredibly proud that the impact of this work has been recognised by Ofsted as being of high quality and making a positive difference to both student learning and their overall educational experience.

As with all reports there are areas for us to improve and develop and we will continue to focus on the themes that have been identified as we drive the school forward.

Best wishes. Jim Roberts