'Highly ambitious’ Sutton school with 'culture of excellence' given outstanding Ofsted ratings

Greenshaw High School
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Greenshaw High School has been given "Outstanding" ratings in several key areas following a recent inspection. The academy’s top marks in four of the five assessment areas mark an improvement from its previous ‘Good’ inspection by Ofsted.

The Sutton-based school, home to approximately 1,600 students, was said to provide an ‘exceptional standard of education’ and has built an environment where students ‘thrive’. The government’s education watchdog also noted that bullying was rare and that the school had a high attendance rate.

The Ofsted report, published on November 12, praises the exceptional standard of education that permeates the school, noting the school’s purposeful 'Big Ideas' curriculum as a central driver behind students’ academic success. It states that the curriculum is designed not only to challenge pupils intellectually but also to encourage deep engagement with subjects, promoting critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom.

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Greenshaw High Schoo
Greenshaw High School will have its next full inspection in September 2025 -Credit:Google Maps

One of the key strengths identified by inspectors is the school's academic rigour. Pupils at Greenshaw High are described as active participants in their learning, consistently demonstrating high levels of focus and dedication.

Teachers were praised for their in-depth subject knowledge and effective use of questioning, enabling students to explore topics in great depth. The high expectations set by staff result in a culture of excellence, where students strive to achieve their best and often surpass expectations.

Leadership at the school was also a major area of acclaim. Ofsted commended the leadership team for their vision and their unwavering commitment to evidence-based practices.

Particularly noteworthy is the school's provision for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Greenshaw High has received high praise for the exceptional support it provides to these pupils. Staff are well-trained and equipped to meet individual needs, ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, have access to high-quality learning opportunities. This inclusive approach is further bolstered by targeted support for early-stage readers and SEND students, helping to establish a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

The school's holistic approach to education is also reflected in its emphasis on personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education. Students are encouraged to develop not only academically but also personally, with a strong focus on building confidence, leadership skills, and social awareness.

Despite the glowing report, Ofsted identified the attendance of the school’s extra-curricular activities as requiring improvement. The school recently introduced a range of new extra-curricular activities, but the uptake among pupils, particularly outside of the sixth form, has been somewhat limited so far.

Greenshaw High School
Greenshaw High School is part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust

Ofsted highlighted the importance of encouraging greater participation in these activities, ensuring that all students—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)—have the opportunity to benefit from the wider provision available. The school is now focusing on boosting engagement and ensuring these activities reach as many pupils as possible.

The inspection took place on 1st and 2nd October 2024. The school’s last full inspection took place back in 2012 when it was given a ‘Good’ rating.

The school forms part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, which has a stable of 34 schools across London, the South and the South West. Following the report, the school’s Headteacher Nick House said: “I am very proud of the hard work of pupils, staff and families. We have worked tirelessly on establishing the conditions for our young people to be successful at school, and long after they have left Greenshaw High School.

I am delighted at what the Ofsted inspection team saw when they visited our school, when they described our school as both ‘flourishing’ and being a ‘calm, safe and friendly place to be’. I am very grateful for the efforts of all involved.”

Patrick Farmbrough, Assistant Director of Secondary Education for Greenshaw Learning Trust, added: “We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted have recognised what a wonderful school Greenshaw High School is. We are very grateful to all of the staff, students, and parents who have worked together to make it such a special place. They very much deserve this recognition.”

As of September 2024, Ofsted no longer issues state schools with an overall grade such as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate, however, colleges and other further education establishments do still get a one-word overall grade. Schools, meanwhile, will get a rating in four sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The school is next due for a full inspection in September 2025.

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