Challenge Partners

Challenge Partners is a national partnership of schools and trusts who believe the best way to reduce educational inequality and enhance the life chances of children is through collaboration, challenge and leadership development. Together the partnership work to ensure every school community can benefit from the combined wisdom of the education system.

As part of this partnership, this year we engaged in an external review of the school’s performance. This review allows us to showcase our excellent work and to verify that our work is having a positive impact upon pupils. It also helps us to make things even better. The latest review took part on 19th, 20th and 21st March 2025. The review was conducted by a team of 4 reviewers; one lead reviewer and 3 additional reviewers who all hold senior leader positions in schools and academy trusts.

This was not an Ofsted inspection or a 'Mocksted' Inspection and should not be considered in the same way. However, it supports the school in being clear on what is working well and what would we can do to be even better. Challenge Partners is a charity working to advance education for the public benefit. They are not a statutory accountability body. The QA Review does not audit schools’
safeguarding or behaviour policies and practices. However, Lead Reviewers and visiting reviewers are expected to follow Challenge Partners’ safeguarding policy and report any concerns as set out in the procedures.

The QA review has 3 possible outcomes; working towards effective, effective and leading. We are delighted to share that the review team found our school to be 'leading' in all areas.

Here are just some of the wonderful things they said:

• '...they lead with heart and strategy, inspiring trust from staff, pupils, and parents alike. They know their school inside out, and every decision is rooted in a deep understanding of the pupils and the families they serve. They balance strategic drive with humanity, creating a school where excellence and empathy go hand in hand. The impact is evident in every corner of the school.'
• 'Subject leaders are confident and well-supported, with clear roles in monitoring the delivery of training for staff and curriculum design. They know their subjects in depth and can articulate the rationale behind sequencing and content choices. Their work improves standards across the school, ensuring that each subject has depth, clarity and ambition at its core. Their expertise is valued, their voices heard and their contributions directly shape curriculum content.'
  
• 'Personal development is a golden thread that runs through every layer of school life. From assemblies to curriculum to pupil voice, there is a conscious effort to build pupils’ confidence, character and understanding of the wider world.'
  
• 'The school demonstrates a deeply embedded culture of inclusion. Children with SEND access learning in a highly supportive environment where quality first teaching is strong.'
  
• 'The school demonstrates a strong commitment to equity by ensuring that disadvantaged pupils are fully supported to access all aspects of school life.'
• 'Teachers are empowered to respond in real-time to pupils’ needs, supported by strong assessment practices and a no-ceiling mindset.'