Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School in Ramsgate has secured Good across the board following their most recent visit from Ofsted.
During a two-day inspection, Ofsted reviewed every aspect of school life – and concluded that pupils “are happy and successful at this caring and ambitious school.”
The inspection follows a shock grading last year of overall Inadequate with inspectors at that time raising concerns about pupils being taught in single-sex classes in all subjects for key stage 3 and in single-sex classes for core subjects in key stage 4.
The school ended its single sex classes in September this year.
‘Big decisions’
Headteacher Debra Liddicoat said: “The last year and a half have been unusual to navigate. On one hand we have secured record results and seen our students achieve some brilliant things – yet the outcome of our 2024 Ofsted inspection has never been far from our thinking.
“We have had to make some big decisions but, crucially, I have also never been prouder to be part of the Chatham and Clarendon community. The feedback from that last inspection actually galvanised and strengthened us – and every member of our school should be deeply proud of their role in us securing such a hugely positive outcome this time around.
“Every member of our community is recognised for their efforts and attributes in this report.”
‘Aspirations’
The inspection team found pupils “rise to the high aspirations that the school has for them” and are praised for their “respectful approach” and “responsibility and consideration” they show others.
Staff are recognised for how well they “demonstrate their expertise in their subjects”, and inspectors note that they are “enthused by the support that they have received”. They note that changes have “carefully taken their workload and well-being … into account”.
It was also noted how well governors have engaged with external support, which has helped them to develop “a greater understanding of their role and the knowledge required to achieve it”.
Debra added: “Hearing Ofsted praise the school so warmly for all that we do was heartening, but it was the feedback from our parents that brought a tear to my eye. Their support throughout the last 12 months has been incredible, and to hear the overwhelmingly positive feedback they shared with Ofsted was quite an emotional moment.”
Inspectors also found that pupils “benefit from rich activities to further their spiritual and moral understanding”, that careers information is “impressive” and that the school’s work to improve attendance has been successful.
This was the first time Ofsted had been into the school since the move to fully co-educational classes. They found that the transition had been “achieved successfully”, and that the “school is calmer now that classes are mixed”.
It was also noted that the school needs to continue to focus on work to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the punctuality of sixth form students and how it supports older students to access the range and variety of the school’s enrichment offer.
‘Dedication’
John Waker, Chair of Governors, said: “This a hugely important moment for our school.
“After Ofsted’s visit in 2024, we ultimately decided to stop trying to fight the judgement they reached – and just focus all of our efforts on ensuring that this school was the best it could be for our brilliant community.
“I hope this report shows that we have all worked relentlessly to achieve that, and I want to thank school leaders and the whole community for their efforts and dedication. It has been a real team effort.”
The school has two Year 7 Open Days on the 14 and 16 of October.
John added: “This school offers so much to our young people, and we would love for people to come and have a look for themselves. What makes this moment really exciting is that we can now stop looking over our shoulder at Ofsted. We can solely focus on how we continue to progress and grow and as community.
“Striving for excellence is at the heart of all that we do.”
Great school, although an influx of children let in on parents appeal this year. Some that were really under the pass mark.
A real shame for the children that worked their hardest to get a Grammar place.
What a ridiculous comment. Have you taken a moment to consider the fact that numerous children work their hardest yet don’t always perform to the best of their ability in a test situation? What about those who are unwell on the day or those who make accelerated progress after the test date? Parental appeals are there for very good reason and any students who achieve success via this route will generally enhance the school environment. Luckily, Chatham & Clarendon School recognise this and provide a fabulous experience for all their students regardless of test results. The school thoroughly deserves this glowing report and will no doubt continue to enable all their students to thrive.