Press Release – Ferndown Upper School’s Ofsted Report
I am delighted to share our Ofsted letter with you. As you will see, the inspectors experienced just how special a place to learn Ferndown Upper School really is.
As this was a Section 8 Inspection, our grading could not change, but the inspectors commented upon our excellent extra-curricular and pastoral provision – they were amazed at just much opportunity our students have available to them. They were also impressed with our students’ behaviour and from our calm learning environment, where students are allowed to be themselves, as this is quite a unique environment for a secondary school. All of this in addition to achieving the highest GCSE progress in Dorset, and the 2nd highest A Level progress.
We are particularly pleased that inspectors praised our ambitious curriculum. While we focus on the DfE EBacc target, we have further developed this in recent years and our students now have access to triple science for all (being the first non-selective state school in the UK to do this), we offer a Foundation Art course (usually delivered by universities), we are the first deliverer of T Levels in Dorset and BCP and most importantly we encourage personal choice. We are extremely proud of our four completely ‘free’ GCSE option choices (the most comprehensive offer of any local school). Our belief is that it is our students who are best placed to decide upon what courses are relevant to them and their future aspirations – so we allow them to.
May I also give my personal thanks to all the students and staff at the school, because it is they who make all of this possible.