New Surrey school gets top marks in outstanding Ofsted
A new school that puts belonging at its heart has received the highest possible Ofsted award.
Heathside School in Walton opened its doors in 2022 and in its first inspection has already been rated as outstanding across the board.
This means it received top grades for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management.
Inspectors praised its aspirations and said that both pupils and teachers were proud to be part of its vibrant community.
Headteacher John Clark was incredibly proud of the work staff and pupils have put in during the school’s first three years.
He said: “Our dedicated staff care deeply about our students, which I am profoundly thankful for.
“We are also fortunate to have a supportive parent community and children who are an absolute joy to work with.
“We are now laser focused on the next chapter of our journey ahead, as our oldest students begin studying for our first GCSE examinations.
“We are tremendously excited for what the future holds for Heathside Walton.”
The inspection report said there was a calm, harmonious, family feeling within the school and the pupils had excellent manners.
The report read: “Pupils demonstrate kindness to each other and are resilient when they find learning challenging.
“The school has the highest expectations for all pupils, both for their academic achievement and their behaviour.
“Pupils enjoy the challenge of meeting these expectations.
“They willingly show their teachers just what they are capable of daily.
“Pupils try hard in their work and behave incredibly well in class and during social times.
“Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve very well.”
The school opened to Year 7 pupils in September 2022 and has taken on a new year group each year.
Currently, there are pupils from Years 7 to 9 attending the school.
When it is at full capacity, the school will cater for pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 with capacity for 900 pupils
Ofsted was also quick to celebrate the school’s special education provision stating pupils with SEND had the same access to the ambitious curriculum as their peers.
The report added: “The school quickly identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND and plans effective support for them.
“Staff are highly trained to meet the needs of pupils in the classroom.
“They adapt work skilfully when appropriate. This means pupils with SEND flourish during their time at school.”
The report was published on June 25.