Ofsted Praise

The Arnewood School has been rated ‘Good’ across the board with the sixth form praised as ‘Outstanding’.

Ofsted inspectors gave their verdicts after spending two days at the school last month.

In the report, lead inspector Susan Aykin said, “Leaders and governors have worked hard to ensure that students receive a good education at The Arnewood School.

“The culture of learning has remained strong so that students engage well with their subjects and are motivated to achieve well.

“Leaders and staff have a strong moral purpose. They have high expectations for their students and work hard to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of every single student.”

The report praised the school’s curriculum as “broad, balanced and creative”.

Inspectors added that the curriculum was also complemented by a rich programme of extra-curricular learning, including music, art, drama and sport.

Teaching is good and provision for students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is strong, the report highlighted.

The quality of teaching in English and mathematics was singled out as a strength of the school.

Students were also praised by the inspectors as well behaved, caring and proud of their school.

The report also highlighted Arnewood’s collaborative role in the new Hampshire Safe partnership, saying the school is highly effective in addressing the dangers facing students beyond school.

Ofsted said the sixth form provision was outstanding, with students’ outcomes at A-level consistently above the national average and the quality of teaching excellent.

Headteacher, Nigel Pressnell said, “We are delighted with Ofsted’s findings. This is our first inspection in five years and our first since the revised inspection framework was introduced.

“Our aim is always to strive for excellence and have high aspirations for our students and this hard work by all the school’s staff has been recognised.

“I’m particularly pleased that our students have been praised for their behaviour, their caring natures and their diligence in all they do.

“Our sixth form’s results have consistently put us among the top providers and this official outstanding recognition is richly deserved.”

The Arnewood School’s Ofsted report is available on our website.