Dr Challoner’s High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are unwaveringly encouraging and supportive of each other at this outstanding school.

They recognise the rich history of excellence that Dr Challoner's has. Pupils are inspired to make the most of the interesting and varied opportunities on offer. They are eager to come to school each day, as there is so much to get involved with.

Pupils and staff are all highly ambitious in their pursuit of aspirational academic outcomes. This ambition fosters a strong culture in helping the school to achieve its aim to 'provide the best possible education for girls so that they will shape the world'. Pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Sixth-form students are highly s...elf-aware and reflective about their education. They recognise how important the school's community and positive ethos are, particularly when welcoming pupils when they join the school. Older students ensure that younger pupils are given important pupil-led opportunities to contribute their voice to the school's exceptionally well-considered education.

This helps pupils to feel included and valued.

Pupils' individual needs and aspirations are well known by both pastoral and teaching staff. This ensures that pupils receive a high level of support in response to any concerns they may have.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

This school offers an extraordinary education. Classrooms are joyful places where pupils are excited and ambitious for their futures. Academic learning, development of character and cultural capital are all of equal importance.

As one pupil described: 'We know we will do well in our exams, but it's everything else that takes the school to the next level.'

Teaching is highly effective. Teachers have a detailed knowledge of every pupil.

They use this to plan and teach lessons that meet pupils' individual needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are more disadvantaged. This personalisation leads to a high level of trust between pupils and teachers. In lessons, pupils work in partnership with teachers to explore and deepen their knowledge.

Pupils find fascination in their studies. They delight in scholarship and are supported through a carefully planned and highly ambitious curriculum. One teacher remarked that 'the pupils inspire us to do better and better'.

Outcomes for pupils at both GCSE and A level are among the highest in the country.

Pupils' behaviour is unfailingly positive. The school has a vibrant atmosphere in which pupils feel they can succeed.

Pupils are supportive and considerate of each other. They take real pride in seeing others strive and achieve, and if they can help, they do. Pupils' attendance is high, and the school is effective in supporting the very small number of pupils who may need some additional help to attend regularly.

The school's sixth form is exceptional. Sixth-form students are proud role models. They ensure that they provide the right guidance and support for their younger peers.

All students are expected to be involved in leading and managing the many varied and interesting clubs on offer. Many students also act as subject prefects and coach younger pupils in their learning. Students consider how they strive to uphold and develop the school's traditions as a privilege, but they also recognise how it helps them to develop their own confidence and maturity.

Careers advice is plentiful and helps pupils to be ambitious and to understand their next steps. The school makes extensive use of pupils who have left the school to broaden pupils' understanding of the range of careers open to them. Sixth-form students host and interview visitors in front of an audience of peers, which further contributes to their confidence and experience.

The development of pupils' personal development and character is embedded across all aspects of school life. Subject curriculums are developed by knowledgeable teams who demonstrate passion for their subjects. Pupils' cultural awareness is broadened by aspects beyond the usual curriculum, such as visits from antiquities experts and trips to art installations.

Pupils have the opportunity to travel abroad with the school in Year 9. The school ensures that disadvantaged pupils have the same opportunities as their classmates.

Pupils of all ages have a real love for the school.

The curriculum helps them to learn how to be responsible, thoughtful, and respectful citizens. These behaviours can be seen in their conduct in lessons and how they behave towards each other.

Many of the school's staff have been in post for a number of years.

Staff are highly positive about the school's ethos and their role in supporting this. School leaders understand the importance of helping staff to further develop their knowledge and skills in providing the exceptional support that is currently on offer.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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