Le Murier School has received a glowing Ofsted inspection report – with the ‘personal development and welfare’ of students and the school’s ‘sixth-form provision’ both rated as Excellent.
The ‘quality of education’, ‘behaviour and attitudes’, and ‘leadership and management’ seen by Ofsted’s inspectors were all rated as Good.
The school’s Ofsted report found that pupils are “at the heart of every decision”, and their additional learning needs are well met.
Le Murier is described as a welcoming and friendly place where pupils are safe, happy, and excited to attend, and the report mentions that the staff provide highly targeted and expert personal development, with carefully crafted careers and outdoor education curriculums that build confidence, independence, and teamwork.
There were also bonus marks for ‘Positive Behavior and Relationships’, as the Staff use positive reinforcement and praise, leading to polite and respectful pupils who respond well. These strong relationships with staff make pupils feel safe to take risks in their learning and achieve well, according to the report.
An “ambitious curriculum” has also raised staff expectations, contributing to most pupils achieving recognised qualifications in 2024.
There was also praise in store for the ‘Curriculum Design’ at Le Murier, with Ofsted finding the school identifies important knowledge, skills, and vocabulary, which are accurately identified and well-sequenced.
They also found Le Murier’s teaching staff can effectively adapt the curriculum and routinely check and close gaps in subject knowledge.
There was also specific praise for the schools ‘Learning Pathways’, the effort spent on ‘Early Communication and Reading’, and Le Murier’s Sixth-Form Provision.
The PSHE program was found to be cohesive and comprehensive, and that pupils are increasingly attending school regularly.
It wasn’t all green checks though, with red crosses found next to staff’s subject expertise.
This is to do with non-subject specialists delivering some curriculum areas. The inspectors found the school has not always ensured staff have the necessary curriculum expertise to teach these subjects successfully. This can occasionally lead to learning activities not being well-matched to pupils’ knowledge or the purpose of learning being unclear.
Ofsted found that the school also needs to ensure that staff have sufficient curriculum expertise to effectively use learning resources and adaptations, as sometimes pupils do not “securely learn new knowledge”.
Following the publication of Ofsted’s report, Le Murier Headteacher Lee Collier said she was proud of everyone involved with the school.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this Ofsted inspection. To be recognised as Excellent in both our personal development and Sixth Form provision is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the incredible efforts of our students and the investment of our parents and carers.
“This report reflects our school community where we work together to help every child become the very best they can be and to prepare them for their next steps in life.”
Whilst Nick Hynes, Guernsey’s Director of Education, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for Lee, her staff and the Le Murier community, and a clear endorsement of the school’s vision and values in action.
“The inspection highlights the positive, inclusive and ambitious environment the staff have created. We’re proud of the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”