21 January| St. Albans, UK [tedNEWS]
Once in every three years, it is custom for headteachers of all UK schools (public and independent) to receive a phone call from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), informing them that within the following 24 hours, their school will receive a visit from their team of officials to undergo a three-day inspection. Towards the end of last November, two UK Adventist Schools, Newbold (owned by the South England Conference and established in 1941) and Dudley House (owned by the North England Conference and established in 1966), were inspected. The results of both inspections are heartwarming statements of commitment and excellence.
Newbold School (Bracknell, Berkshire)
Awarded: ‘Outstanding’
– with no recommendations for improvement.
After three days of intense scrutiny by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), Newbold School was judged to be ‘Outstanding’, with no recommendations for improvement. Achieving this top grade is notoriously difficult so staff and governors are delighted that the quality of their work has been recognised.
The grade which was awarded at the end of November 2023, is the result of the the school’s staff and governors working together tirelessly towards this incredible success with unstinting belief in the quality of what the school has to offer its pupils.
Headteacher Jaki Crissey commented, “Our passion and dedication was commended many times during the inspection. Above all, Christianity was recognised as being at the heart of Newbold School. Our inspector told us that he could feel the Christian ethos surrounding him the moment he entered the school.”
To everyone’s delight, the children’s excellent behaviour was highlighted in the final report: ‘Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. In lessons and at social times, pupils show great levels of self-confidence and respect.’ (Ofsted Inspection report, November 2023). The school takes pride in teaching its pupils to respect others, to take responsibility for their own actions and to regulate their own behaviour.
Another impressive feature Ofsted recognised was the weekly Forest School lessons, taught in the woods around the campus of Newbold College of Higher Education. Pupils enjoy their outdoor learning and benefit greatly from it. Mel Jennings, Deputy Head and Early Years’ Manager, remarked, “Our children learn important skills from an early age, including responsible stewardship of our planet, God’s creation.”
“An exceptional quality of education, from Nursery to Year 6, helps pupils to develop an infectious enthusiasm and thirst for learning. Consequently, they flourish here.” (Ofsted Inspection report, November 2023).
Lorraine McDonald, British Union Conference (BUC) Education director sees the significance of this award as “an historical moment” for Adventist education in the UK, “because Newbold is the first ever UK Adventist school to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in all areas with no recommendations to improve.” McDonald continued, “The school has been described in the past, by parents, as a ‘hidden gem’, but it is time to let it shine for all to see.”
The full report, and more information about the school, can be found here.
Dudley House School, (Grantham, Lincolnshire).
Awarded: ‘Good’
– a small school with big ideas.
Staff and governors ended 2023 ‘on a high’ following another successful Ofsted inspection at the end of November. Headteacher Jenny Johnson and BUC Education Director Lorraine McDonald were delighted as they listened to the glowing feedback the inspectors shared during the inspection, and just wished everyone could have been there to hear what was said.
The inspection was certainly rigorous. Over the next three days, the inspectors delved into every aspect of school life. Also present was a senior His Majesty’s Inspector – assessing the inspectors who were carrying out our inspection! The inspectors collated evidence that showed that despite all the challenges we have faced since our last inspection we were once again a solidly ‘good school’ that had consistently and securely met all the independent school standards.
Ofsted referred to the school as ‘a small school with big ideas’. Headteacher Jenny Johnson was glad that this was clearly visible. “We have always had big ideas and constantly strive to provide the very best experiences and outcomes for our pupils.”
Throughout the inspection, inspectors noted that the quality of education provided by this small independent school is something they can be proud of. The curriculum is ‘broad, ambitious and interesting’.
The inspectors were impressed that all ‘pupils behave well throughout the school day’ and readily retain knowledge they access through the curriculum. All pupils are supported well as they access the interesting curriculum. Reading is a particular strength with all pupils learning to read quickly.
At the school it was noted that pupils come from particularly diverse backgrounds. Ofsted recognised that all pupils’ ‘emotional and mental health needs are well supported’, and through the Christian ethos pupils ‘live out the values of respect, inclusivity and kindness’. The notably strong relationship between pupils and staff ensures that all children can access the curriculum.
The inspectors’ parting comments will never be forgotten. “We will never forget you and your school – and not for the wrong reasons. It has been an absolute privilege.”
It certainly had been a privilege to be able to share high quality Adventist education. We nurture and transform the lives of children from a diverse range of backgrounds so that every child can thrive not just now, but in the future too.
The year ended on a high for staff and governors and started with a celebration when the school was able to share the good news with pupils, parents, and the community that ‘Dudley House School continues to be a GOOD school where pupils thrive, because of the committed and dedicated staff who work tirelessly to provide the best for every pupil in its care’.
Reflecting on her experience during and as a result of the inspection, Lorraine McDonald emphasised , “Dudley House School is another testament to the fact that we can have confidence in Adventist education here in the UK. God is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:18&19) with our schools.” Recognising the commitment and dedication required to work in Adventist education, McDonald continued, “The extremely hard work of Jenny and the staff cannot be overstated as they, like all our staff, go over and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the children receive high quality education along with Christian nurture.”
Dudley House School has an exciting future ahead as ‘God is the Master of our School’. We thank Him for His guidance and enabling strength, and the joy of working for Him.
Editor’s note: As we share this story about Dudley House School, it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Stanborough Press fire on Stanborough Park, Watford, 3 January 1964. In response and after much soul-searching, the then BUC leadership decided that rather than rebuild on the Park, Stanborough Press should be re-located to Grantham 100 miles north of Watford. If it had not been for that fire, I wonder – would Adventism have ever reached and flourished in the small English town of Grantham? And continue to be blessed to this day with a ‘good’ Adventist school? A minute sample of former pupils shows how the school prepared lives for vocational and professional careers serving both church and society – in business, design, healthcare, journalism, pastoral ministry, science and teaching.
David Bell, Danielle Bull, Natasha Cox, Catherine Clarke, Stephen Eastwood, Trevor Hammond, Jenny Holden, Tim Lale, James Lowe, Jon Meredith, Prince Nambo, Lamorna Rodd, Colin Sutton, Vicky White.
You can read more about the 1964 Stanborough Press Fire here.
4,560 students from pre-school to Grade 12 attend Adventist run schools in the Trans-European Division. You can find out more information about some of those schools here.
Contributors to these reports: Bjorn Karlman and Lorraine McDonald (Newbold/BUC), Jenny Johnson (Dudley House) and David Neal (tedNEWS). Photos: Ansun Olivan (Newbold), Jenny Johnson (Dudley House).
