During the visit the inspectors thoroughly scrutinised all aspects of the school’s work in order to understand the quality of what we provide. They reviewed a range of subjects, including science, English, PE history and PSHE. They also examined our work in relation to behaviour, safeguarding, pupil premium provision and attendance.  In order to understand  they spoke to different groups of staff and students.  They put a great deal of effort into finding out what it was really like to study and work at the school: in addition to talking to different groups of staff, and reviewing the extremely positive surveys and messages from parents, they held several student panels including with SEND and higher ability pupils.

We are, therefore, delighted that, following such a rigorous process, they determined that the school was “good” in all areas.

The report praises all aspects of the school explaining that the students ‘work hard to match their teachers’ high expectations’ and that pupils are ‘happy and enjoy school’. It also discusses the ‘extensive range of extracurricular activities on offer’ and quotes a parent saying, ‘the staff at the school are incredible’. In addition, the curriculum is described as ‘ambitious and challenging’ and the careers, reading, PSMSC and quality of teaching were all singled out for noteworthy praise.

Nick Jones, Chair of Trustees of Maiden Erlegh Trust, said: “This is another excellent result for the Trust which recognises the tremendous success of our hard working staff and students of Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge and I pay tribute to their dedication and ambition in these challenging times; to deliver such an impressive and sustainable transformation in a relatively short time is remarkable.

Thank you to Andy Hartley and his brilliant team, thank you to our students for their diligence and determination to grasp the opportunities now there for them all and thank you to the many Trust colleagues who have played such an important role in achieving this deserved outcome.”  

Mary Davies, CEO of Maiden Erlegh Trust, said: “This outcome is thoroughly deserved and is testament to the determination, resilience and hard work of staff and students alike. We always knew the school’s potential and it should not be underestimated how impressive it is to climb two Ofsted grades in four years – with a significant proportion of that time impacted by the pandemic. Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is an excellent school, an ambitious school and a kind and inclusive school. Well done everyone.”

Andy Hartley, Headteacher, said: “I am so proud of our students, staff and wider community. This report recognises that our aim is to give the very best education to all our students whatever their backgrounds. What pleases me most about this report is that it recognises how happy our students are, how well supported they are in making progress and enjoying school through our systems, curriculum, teaching and focus on the individual. To have achieved so much progress within the pandemic despite the disruptions we have faced says so much about the tenacity and determination of our staff to make a difference to the lives of our learning community.  Finally, I would like to thank Maiden Erlegh Trust for the invaluable support they give the school, allowing us to focus purely on the wellbeing and education of our young people.”

The full report can be found below.