OFSTED REPORT

Mr King, Headteacher, together with Mr Boddington, CEO of our Trust and Mrs Mason, our Chair of Governors are very proud to share the report with you. 

Under Ofsted's new inspection framework, Esher Church of England High School has been awarded Strong Standard for Inclusion, alongside Expected Standard in every other inspected area – added to which, Ofsted have confirmed that our safeguarding standards are met. This is a wonderful achievement for our school community and a reflection of our Christian vision; Belong, Be More, Be Esher.

What makes this outcome particularly special is the recognition of our inclusive culture. Inspectors found that pupils are part of a "caring, welcoming and inclusive community" and recognised that developing a sense of belonging sits at the heart of our school's ethos. They highlighted the thoughtful and well-coordinated support provided for pupils with additional needs and the impact of our Willow Building in helping pupils feel settled, supported and ready to learn. A grading of ‘strong’ in this area puts Esher High in the top 37% of schools nationally.

We are also delighted that inspectors recognised the strength and ambition of our academic offer. This is a school where pupils are encouraged to aim high, where strong outcomes in English and mathematics sit well above the national average, and where young people leave us well prepared for the next stage of their education. Just as importantly, the report reflects the purposeful work taking place across the school to make learning increasingly inclusive, adaptive and effective for every pupil.

The report powerfully reflects the school we know and are proud of; a happy, safe and inclusive community where pupils are supported to thrive. Inspectors recognised the calm and orderly atmosphere around the site, the positive relationships between staff and pupils, and the improvements that have been made to behaviour over time. Pupils told inspectors that bullying is uncommon, that staff deal with concerns quickly and fairly, and that they can learn without disruption in lessons.

This is a result we are all immensely proud of. Ofsted’s new framework is significantly more demanding than the previous system, and the old single-word grades no longer exist. Against this higher national standard, achieving Expected Standard across all inspected areas, alongside a Strong Standard for Inclusion, is a powerful endorsement of the quality, care and ambition that define our school. In Ofsted’s own words, the Expected Standard is “a high standard, to make sure your children are receiving everything they need and deserve.”

We are delighted with this outcome and equally excited about the opportunities ahead. As a school, we are always ambitious for our pupils and committed to building on our strengths so that every child continues to receive the support, challenge and encouragement they need to flourish.

I would like to thank our staff, governors, trustees, pupils and families for the part they have played in this achievement. This report reflects the strength of our entire community and confirms what we strive for every day: a school where every child is known, valued, supported, able to flourish and truly belongs.

DIOCESE INSPECTION

In addition to Ofsted inspections, Church schools also undergo a denominational inspection - the Statutory Inspection of Anglican & Methodist Schools, SIAMS, which assesses the effectiveness of Church of England and Methodist schools.  In May 2022, Esher High School's inspection judged the school as a 'good' school.

It judged that "relationships are extremely strong at the school and are at the heart of its Christian vision", that "school leaders actively support all members of the school community" and "teachers know students extremely well".

The SIAMS report is attached below.