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Ofsted: Ribston Hall High School continues to be a good school

Ribston Hall High School in Stroud Road, Gloucester, is celebrating after receiving an overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report.

The selective girls' school was subject to a routine Section 8 inspection on May 10 and 11. The existing 'good' judgement granted in December 2016 could not be changed, however the school leadership team was eager to demonstrate the evolution which has taken place since headteacher Mrs Sarah Colombini arrived in 2018.

After a rigorous inspection with the senior leadership team, curriculum leads and staff, the subsequent Ofsted report found it 'continues to be a good school', which 'pupils are proud to attend'.

Ribston Hall was praised for fostering positive attitudes to both learning and character development, with compassion and tolerance recognised as themes which run throughout all strands of the curriculum.

The employment of effective teaching strategies and assessment were highlighted as significant factors in aiding pupils' knowledge and understanding and it acknowledged that leaders have invested careful thought and planning into the key knowledge that pupils learn.

In addition to teaching and learning, the inspectorate investigated behaviour, safeguarding, personal development, special educational needs and reading practices. All areas were regarded positively with 'a rich personal development curriculum' and 'wide and varied careers programme' in place.

Parent and student feedback is considered in the overall assessment, with many parents agreeing 'their child is happy and thriving at the school'. Students were praised for their 'calm and respectful behaviour'.

Mrs Sarah Colombini, headteacher, said: "We are overjoyed Ofsted has recognised the journey the school has been on and the hard work to enhancing our school culture. It is important that it has been noted that students feel well cared for in our school.

"The report describes the school as being 'like a family'. You rarely see comments like this in Ofsted reports and I am delighted that this has been captured, as we are a community where everyone is valued. Combining this with high expectations of academic and personal development through effective teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum, we are confident our approach enables students to be ready for the world they will enter as young adults.

"Our aim is to equip all students with the toolkit to discover their own potential and shape their own future. Our excellent staff have worked tirelessly with our hardworking students to nurture the successful learning environment we have here at Ribston Hall. The inspection clearly acknowledged and praised this.

"Our dedication to continuous school improvement will ensure we are in a tremendous position to build on this positive result in the coming years."

Dr Fergus O'Sullivan and Lynda Frall, co-chairs of the trust governing board, said: "After a rewarding inspection process, the trustees are delighted to receive a report which so clearly reflects the positive developments that are taking place at Ribston. It has given us great encouragement, as we continue to strive for excellence in all areas of school life, and cause to look forward to the next inspection."

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