I am delighted to share with parents the outcome of our recent Challenge Partners Quality Assurance Review (QAR) visit which took place earlier this month.

The review team consisted of a Lead Reviewer and five additional reviewers, each of whom were senior leaders, headteachers or CEO of a trust, from schools across the country. The review team spent time reviewing our documentation, meeting school leaders, visiting lessons, looking at students’ books and meetings groups of students and staff across the primary and secondary sites.

I am delighted to share that, based on the areas reviewed, our practice was deemed to be Leading for ‘Leadership at all levels‘ and Leading for ‘Provision and outcomes for all, including for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with additional needs’. The reviewers thoroughly enjoyed their time at Sydney Russell School and told us that they were taking lots of ideas away with them to introduce to their own schools. From the many positive points made in the report (which can be found in full on our website), here is just a sample:

“leaders and governors share an uncompromising ambition to get the best for and from pupils. This is unanimously shared by staff.”

“There is a cohesive approach to planning and delivering a curriculum which is accessible by all and remove any glass ceilings for the more able.”

“Leaders have adopted a “one step ahead” approach for inclusion. They know their pupils very well. Consequently, pupils enjoy coming to school, as evidenced by their strong attendance, above national averages.”

“Pupils’ wider development is high on leaders’ agenda and promoted both through the curriculum and the wide range of enrichment activities before and after school clubs.”

“Pupil voice is an integral part of the school ethos. Pupils appreciate the roles and responsibilities they have been given.”

“Classrooms are harmonious learning environments where pupils’ enthusiasm for learning is nurtured and developed.”

“Behaviours for learning are strong across the school….Pupils’ thirst for knowledge means that they are firmly focused on their learning. Their excellent behaviour and attitudes to study helps them to learn and remember more.”

We are delighted to have had such a positive review, which we know is testament to the immense work across the school, day-in and day-out of our staff, students and families. We are keen to use this review to further drive our areas for development – particularly as we work to ensure our students embody outstanding attitudes to learning and actively consider their personal development, taking part in the many opportunities the school offers.

My thanks, as always to the incredible team of staff we have here at SRS, and my thanks to our students and families for your support and commitment to work with us to achieve the very best for your children, our young people.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Cross

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