Dartford Grammar School for Girls has received its first Ofsted report under the new framework, earning glowing praise from the education watchdog following an inspection in March.
The report rated the school as ‘exceptional’ in four areas – achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision – and as working at a ‘strong standard’ in the remaining three: curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance.
Under the new system, an exceptional grade means a school is working at the “highest standard nationally”, while a strong standard grade means leaders are working above what is expected of them.
During a visit to the school, inspectors found that pupils achieve “extraordinarily well”, have “extremely high” attendance and “impressive” provision for personal development.
The school is in Shepherds Lane (Image: Dartford Grammar School for Girls)
The report, published on May 15, said: “Pupils undoubtedly flourish at this school.
“Aspirations are unquestionably high, both from pupils themselves and the adults who enable them to thrive.
“Staff know pupils really well as individuals, understanding and meeting their needs extremely successfully.
“Consequently, pupils develop into happy, accomplished and capable individuals, demonstrating the attributes to be leaders of the future.”
Post-16 provision was also highlighted as a strong point, with Ofsted deeming this to be “extremely well considered”.
Inspectors said that those who join the school in Year 12 quickly become “fully integrated into school life”, while a “sophisticated” careers programme allows Year 13s to go on to “prestigious” employers and universities.
Sharon Pritchard, headteacher at Dartford Grammar School for Girls (DGGS), said: “We are delighted that Dartford Grammar School for Girls has received a fantastic Ofsted report.
“The inspection report is an absolutely superb outcome for the whole school community and I am extremely proud of our students and staff.
“In their feedback, inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about DGGS and recognised that it is a very special and unique school, where students ‘thrive’.”
