The Howard Partnership Trust

Ofsted praises “passionate teachers” and “above average attainment” at Howard of Effingham

Ofsted has praised one of our secondary schools for achieving "attainment and progress well above the national average" and for creating an environment where "pupils treat each other with kindness and respect."

Inspectors visited Howard of Effingham School in March.  It was previously inspected in 2019, when it was judged to be a good school with an outstanding sixth form.  The recent inspection was under Section 8 of the Education Act.  This means that rather than carrying out a full inspection, Ofsted were examining whether the school was continuing to take "effective action" to maintain its standards.  Ofsted judged that the school continues to be a place of high achievement, rounded character development and a school that "pupils feel proud to attend".

Howard of Effingham is part of The Howard Partnership of Trust, a values-driven multi-academy trust committed to delivering life-changing education.

The report notes that the school has:

  • High expectations - "many pupils describe how school prepares them for their next steps in life because of its focus on developing character and building resilience.”
  • Exemplary behaviour- where "pupils treat each other with kindness and respect." Corridors and classrooms are “calm and orderly."
  • Passionate teachers - that draw upon their "impressive expertise" to deliver the curriculum effectively.
  • Great extracurricular provisions - pupils "enjoy opportunities such as performing in the local theatre, singing in the choir or competing in sporting fixtures."
  • An ambitious curriculum - where "pupils achieve well" and "attainment and progress is well above the national average."
  • Exceptional sixth form - "students in the sixth form achieve exceptionally well and go on to an impressive range of destinations."
  • Strong character development- "the school recognises that, as well as high academic attainment, pupils need to be rounded, confident and resilient to succeed in the future."

The Howard of Effingham School is located on Lower Road, Effingham.  The school aim of ‘Bringing out the Best’ applies to every one of their students, from Year 7 to Year 13, in all aspects of their development including the academic.  Staff and students are proud of the school and enjoy working and achieving together.

Read the full report.