ISI Inspection rates Hilden Grange as ‘excellent’
Hilden Grange was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in March, and we are proud to announce that the school has been graded as ‘excellent’, the highest grade possible, in the two areas covered by the report: ‘The Quality of Pupils’ Academic and other Achievements’ and ‘The Quality of Pupil’s Personal Development.’
Malcolm Gough, Headteacher, commented: “I am delighted that the school has been recognised in this way as it is an endorsement of the high quality of education provided at Hilden Grange and the hard work, dedication and commitment of staff, children and parents. As a community we can be justifiably proud of our school and all those associated with Hilden Grange.”
The inspectors noted that “pupils’ exemplary attitudes are supported by creative and engaging teaching which enables them to become highly effective learners’ and added ‘pupils of all ages are engaged and enthusiastic during lessons; they settle down to studies quickly and work independently and with diligence.”
The report recognizes the firm foundation that children receive in the Early Years and how this is developed through their time at the school:
“A large majority of the youngest children receive a very high level of development by the time they leave the early years setting. As pupils move up the school they maintain this strong start and make rapid progress with standardized test scores in English and mathematics being well above national age-related norms.”
“High level skills in the core subjects are established in the EYFS and, as pupils progress though the school, they develop a well-developed fund of knowledge. This is a result of specialist teaching provided in all subjects from Year 3 upwards.”
Opportunities outside of the curriculum were praised, “Pupils flourish beyond the classroom in sports, music and the arts. Sports teams achieve highly in inter-school matches in rugby, cricket and athletics. Excellent musicality is promoted through individual instrumental lessons, choirs and music ensembles ranging from Year 1 ocarinas to senior wind band.”
In terms of the pupils’ personal development, the Inspectors wrote that “Pupils show a highly developed sense of moral responsibility supported wholly by the Hilden Grange way of conduct.” They also commented that, “Pupils show high levels of respect and consideration for each other and form productive relationships.”
We were pleased to note that the impact made by our Language of Learning has been recognized, “Pupils exhibit strong positivity which is nurtured through the six aims of the school’s Language of Learning. This is an everyday common focus for pupils and staff which is embedded within the culture of the school.”
The school was also found to be fully compliant in respect of all regulations in the Regulatory Compliance element of the inspection
