Newsletter
Summer 2019
“For life, not school, we learn”
School is transformed and rated Outstanding VILLIERS High School has “returned to its former glory” after being given the highest rating of Outstanding in all areas following an inspection by Ofsted this term. The glowing assessment from inspectors gave the top grade to the quality of leadership, teaching, curriculum, pupils’ achievements, behaviour and personal development, as well as sixth form. The report said there has been a “rapid and transformational change” under the exemplary leadership of Headteacher Ms Sharma, who took charge just two years ago. They said teachers “cared deeply” about students, noted the school’s excellent GCSE and A-Level results and described behaviour as excellent. The school came in for special praise for their commitment to the personal development and welfare of pupils, said to be outstanding.
Headteacher Ms Sharma has welcomed the report, saying the students and the community now have the school they deserve. to help students fulfil their potential across a range of subjects. This is about allowing students to be creative and expressing themselves and encouraging them to brave with their choices, both at school and in the future. This is done in a number of ways, throughout enrichment programmes, visits to top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, inspirational talks from top professionals and trips that broaden their cultural capital.
This gives them exposure to different options; not just doctors and lawyers, but writers, artists, engineers, creative and new media. We need to develop all their talents because there is no ‘one box fits all’ for education or children. From the moment I arrived in this school, I felt the students were very polite and aspirational and there was a strong sense of belonging but the school needed – and pupils deserved to learn in – an outstanding environment. All the raw ingredients were there, from ambitious pupils to highly skilled teachers but the school struggled to make a positive impact with the community. As this report shows, that confidence has now been restored.
‘
‘
What is most pleasing is the recognition by OFSTED that while we are a school that pushes pupils to achieve the very best in their exams, we also place equal importance on the welfare and personal development of our young people. This is not only a school where students excel academically but also where they enjoy learning in a warm and welcoming environment. Whilst we are happy with the report, we do not do what we do to receive an outstanding judgement from OFSTED. We do it because we are passionate about improving the lives and life chances of our students. As the report rightly points out, we have extended the curriculum so that we are not just focusing on the core subjects but seek
Chair of Governors pays tribute to Headteacher’s leadership
Villiers High School Chair of Governors Ms Mee says appointing Ms Sharma was the catalyst for change at the school. the right decision was made. Her commitment, leadership and dedication to the school and pupils is truly admirable.
“The aspirational standards she has set since being appointed quickly reverberated throughout the school, uniting staff and students alike. “Her understanding of what was required at this school was instinctive – she knew exactly what was required and got it the job done.
“As the report rightly points out, Ms Sharma has been the catalyst for a truly extraordinary transformation at this school and is responsible for returning Villiers High School to its former glory. “We are truly fortunate to have Ms Sharma as our Headteacher.
‘
‘
By far the most important job you have as a school governor is appointing a Headteacher. We knew we had the making of a truly great school, with wonderful pupils and great staff but we lacked the requisite leadership. “It is as clear today as the day we appointed Ms Sharma that
Villiers High School newsletter n Summer 2019