Ofsted Report 2015

Ofsted Inspectors have once again judged The Thomas Hardye School to be outstanding in all areas after their recent inspection.

In the report they describe how “outstanding teaching across the school” leads to all groups of students making “exceptional” progress and achieving examination results that are “significantly above the national average”. They comment that “students’ behaviour is exemplary” and that “they display a thirst for learning that ensures levels of engagement in lessons are exceptionally high”.

In the Sixth Form, students make “outstanding progress in all subjects”. This is the result of ‘inspirational teaching” and because “the variety of courses on offer matches the range of students’ needs and prepares them extremely well for their futures”.

The inspectors recognised how the school staff work as a team to “make sure that all students, including those who are disabled or have special educational needs, are supported exceptionally well to develop their skills and to achieve the very high expectations set for them”. They further commented that “the school is exceptionally inclusive” and that “discrimination of any kind is not tolerated”.

The school’s recently introduced college structure was identified as a significant strength of the pastoral system. Inspectors commented on pastoral leadership as being “remarkable” and that “the college structure ensures that all students are known as individuals”. Students additionally benefit from an “exceptional range of enrichment activities”.

Headteacher Michael Foley said "We are absolutely delighted with the report. It is a reward for the hard work of the students, staff and the whole school community. We are particularly pleased to see that the inspectors recognised that Thomas Hardye is an exceptionally inclusive school and that achievement is outstanding for all our students. Sixth Form teaching was described as ‘inspirational’ and it is this level of performance that has consistently led to the best results in Dorset. The inspectors saw a real passion for learning in our students, who were also seen to benefit from an exceptional range of enrichment activities. The school is characterised by high expectations and our students have the best possible preparation to meet their aspirations”.

Ofsted report 2015 - Full details and all Ofsted reports on the Ofsted website