The most recent Ofsted inspection was on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th November 2021. This was a Section 8 monitoring visit, the report of which is given below. The latest visit followed the previous full Section 5 inspection, which occurred on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th November 2015. The report for this inspection is also given below, along with a letter published by the then Headteacher, Miss Roche.
Ofsted Inspection 2021
Following the 2021 monitoring visit by Ofsted, it was confirmed that the school’s grade of outstanding would be retained. Amongst other aspects, the inspection team reported that:
‘Pupils live up to their teachers’ high expectations and behave well … Pupils are proud of the part they and their school play in the community … The curriculum has a strong foundation in research. Leaders have thought carefully about the knowledge and skills that pupils need to learn and when they need to learn it … Teachers have strong subject knowledge … There are lots of opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and interests … Pupils in the Sixth Form speak with confidence about the high quality of their education and what their teachers do to ensure they succeed … Leaders are passionate about the school’.
Mr Cooper, Headteacher, commented:
‘I am delighted that we have been able to retain our outstanding status, particularly given the changes to the inspection framework recently and the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is testimony to how incredible the students are, how hard-working and committed the staff and Governors are and how supportive and engaged the parents and carers are. I feel tremendously privileged to be at the school and a part of our fantastic community’.
Ofsted Inspection 2015
The school’s most recent full Ofsted inspection was held in November 2015. This inspection graded the school as outstanding in all areas.
The judgement matched the school’s own internal self-evaluation and affirms the work that was undertaken as a whole community of students, staff, parents and governors since the previous inspection.
The Inspection Team reported that ours is:
“a school where the values of care, compassion, tolerance and respect flourish alongside those of high aspirations and expectations of success for all. Every pupil is known as an individual and relationships between all the people in the school are outstanding. The inspirational leadership of leaders and governors has been pivotal in moving the school forward to become outstanding. Pupils make outstanding progress in a wide range of subjects and across all year groups. The 16 -19 (Sixth Form) study programmes are outstanding. Learners leave the Sixth Form as confident, personable young people who can make a significant contribution to their community, wider society and Britain as a whole. The Governance of the school is outstanding.”
Miss Roche, Headteacher at the time stated
“I wish to thank and congratulate you for your part in this and your ongoing commitment to our school. I must also praise and recognise the sterling work of all staff.”
“This embodies our belief that at DHFS “Every Person Matters” alongside our school motto of “Success With Care”. I am thrilled that the inspectors saw so much positivity in our students! They invest so much in their all-round progress and, as we know, are a credit to themselves, their families and the school.”
Related Information
View the Ofsted Inspection Reports at the Ofsted website
‘Parent View’ Results – published by Ofsted
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