1. Pupils of Old Palace of John Whitgift School are well educated, in line with the School’s ethos. They flourish in an atmosphere in which they feel safe, respected and valued. The quality of their learning and achievements is good. Pupils make good progress overall relative to their ability and develop good levels of skills, knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.

2. Their attitude to learning is excellent and they are cheerful, enthusiastic and co-operative workers. The curriculum provides a good range of opportunities for all abilities, with an imaginative Year 6 course of study helping to smooth the transition from primary to secondary education. The vast majority of Year 13 leavers go on to university. A wide range of extra-curricular activities enhances the School’s provision. Pupils participate enthusiastically and achieve high levels of success, especially in music, drama and sport.

3. The quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent. The School is very successful in creating an atmosphere in which pupils grow in cheerful self-confidence and an awareness of their responsibilities to themselves and to others.

4. They are articulate, courteous and open in conversation. They have a well-developed sense of the needs of others, demonstrated by their everyday behaviour as well as by their commitment to charitable causes. The girls treat each other with respect and enjoy each other’s company. The School successfully encourages pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of the rich range of cultures and beliefs represented in the School community. Pupils are well prepared to play a full part in adult life and are ambitious for their own futures. Governance is good. The Court of the John Whitgift Foundation and School Committee of governors together exercise a careful oversight of the School.

5. They (The Governors) are committed to the School and to meeting their legal obligations. Governors have recently undertaken governor appraisal and attend regular training. They are very supportive of the School and have an astute understanding of the challenges inherent in bringing together two communities.

6. The high expectations of the headship team and the staff encourage the girls to achieve their best. Excellent leadership at the highest level is resulting in the emergence of a happy, united School community. Inspectors found no evidence to support the few parental complaints about bullying and communication.

7. The overwhelming majority of parents express high levels of satisfaction with the School, its values and their children’s education.

Summary of each inspected area:

The quality of academicand other achievement is good in relation to their abilities
Curricular and extra-curricular provision is good

The standard of teaching is good and effectively meets the School’s aims

The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is excellent

The School makes good provision for the welfare, health and safety of its pupils

The governance of the School is good. Leadership and Management of the School
is good and at the highest levels excellent

The quality of links with parents, carers and guardians is good

The effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is good, with
some outstanding elements

The effectiveness of the Leadership and Management in the Early Years Foundation

Stage (EYFS) are good, with some outstanding elements

The quality of provision, especially for indoor learning in the Early Years

Foundation Stage (EYFS), is good overall, with outstanding elements

Outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are good, with
some outstanding features

Dr Judy Harris, Head of Old Palace of John Whitgift commented, “I would like to congratulate all members of Old Palace for their individual and collective contributions to the life and learning of our school, all of which have resulted in a wonderful inspection report that recognises some of the outstanding aspects of our provision.

“The quality of the care for students, their sense of belonging and of feeling valued has been acknowledged in the highest terms along with the opportunities for personal development of all kinds. It is clear that, over the last two years, Old Palace of John Whitgift School has established itself as a place of learning where individuals flourish, work with enthusiasm and achieve highly. Thank you to everyone - I feel so privileged to be the Head of such a dynamic community!”