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Windsor High School and Sixth Form, Richmond Street, Halesowen, B63 4BB
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Ofsted confirms students at Windsor High School and Sixth Form flourish

11th July 2022

Windsor High School and Sixth Form, part of Windsor Academy Trust, is celebrating its latest Ofsted report as inspectors found enough evidence of improved performance to suggest it could now be ‘Outstanding’. 

The inspection took place as part of Ofsted’s commitment to visiting ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ schools to ensure they continue meeting their students' needs. Inspectors judged Windsor High School and Sixth Form to be exceeding these standards in many areas stating, “the school could be judged outstanding if the inspectors were to carry out a section 5 inspection now.”

During the inspection, which took place on the 4th and 5th May, Ofsted praised the school for setting high expectations for what students can achieve academically and socially. 

The report also highlighted how students are supported to realise these high expectations and benefit from a rich set of experiences beyond the classroom.

Throughout the report, inspectors praised a wide range of areas where Windsor High School and Sixth Form provides students with the very best opportunities. Inspectors also emphasised the important role that Windsor Academy Trust and those responsible for governance play in setting a culture of high expectations and providing support and challenge to the school.

  • Inspectors noted that students enjoy access to a broad range of academic and vocational subjects.
  • Students at the school successfully build on their learning year on year. They apply their knowledge and skills with increasing fluency and independence.
  • The report also highlights that reading is a high priority at the school. The school's Year 11 and Year 12 paired reading programme for Year 7 has significantly improved students’ reading.
  • The school prepares students to become respectful, active citizens who contribute to society, with most students taking on leadership roles.
  • Inspectors also highlighted the school's work to promote students’ personal development as a strength. Year 13 students commented to inspectors that “development days have developed their self-confidence and improved their communication skills.”
  • Leaders support students in making successful subject choices that result in Year 11 and Year 13 students moving on to education, training or employment at the end of the year.
  • Windsor Academy Trust, trustees and the local advisory board set a culture of high expectations for what students can achieve. Inspectors commented that “they provide the school with an appropriate balance of challenge and support.”
  • Ofsted also praised the school for its effective support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Inspectors commented that "students with SEND make exceptional progress.”

The school's leadership team, supported by Windsor Academy Trust, is looking forward to building on the strong foundations laid out in the report as they continue to ensure that they unlock all students’ academic and personal potential. 

Stephen Lanckham, Headteacher at Windsor High School and Sixth Form, said: 

Our vision and commitment drive us to deliver the very best education to our students. I am incredibly proud this has been recognised throughout the report. In particular, it is exceptionally pleasing that Ofsted acknowledged that we are well on our way to being an Outstanding school.

“Our inspiring staff consistently go above and beyond to support and encourage our students to achieve anything they put their minds to. Their unwavering dedication ensures that we make a difference to every child at our school.

“I look forward to working closely with our staff, students, Windsor Academy Trust and the wider community as we continue our journey toward outstanding.”

 

Dr Dan Owen, Director of Secondary at Windsor Academy Trust, said: 

I am incredibly proud that Windsor High School and Sixth Form continues to set such high standards. The school provides an exceptional education to its students, and as such, it has rightly received high praise from Ofsted.

“Our Trust’s ethos of high aspiration and excellence is fully embedded in every aspect of school life. Windsor High School and Sixth Form's drive to unlock each student's academic and personal potential has been central to their continued success.”

 

Dawn Haywood, CEO at Windsor Academy Trust, said:

I'm really proud of the hard work of staff, students and the wider community. This report recognises their incredible work and reflects the collective strength of our family of schools who work collaboratively to unlock students' academic and personal potential."

Read the Ofsted report here