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October 2024 Ofsted Inspection Results Press Release

Gildredge House’s ‘transformation to excellence’ journey continues at great pace; achieving ‘Good’ in all five categories by Ofsted

Gildredge House, a leading all-through free school in Eastbourne, is proud to announce that it has received extremely positive outcomes from its recent Ofsted inspection.

The comprehensive Graded inspection, which took place on 1st and 2nd of October 2024, inspected the school across multiple categories, including quality of education, behaviour, attitudes, and safeguarding, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

Executive Head Teacher, Mr Bull, said "Our mission is to Aspire for excellence, and this drives all that we do. The report recognises our vision for a strong values-based curriculum which provides our young people with the highest quality education so they can achieve their potential, and beyond. In addition to the introduction of a new rigorous Ofsted inspection framework where judgements are harder to achieve, a lot had changed at Gildredge House since the last inspection in 2018. 

“This, combined with the best outcomes in the school’s history with a positive Progress 8 score in the Secondary phase, and Primary outcomes all of which are in line or above both National and East Sussex figures, demonstrates that we provide students with a quality of education that ensures they make more than expected progress.

“The report is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and supportive parent community. While we celebrate this important milestone, we remain committed to continuous improvement and making our school the very best learning environment for our students."

Throughout the inspection, inspectors commented on the school’s ambitious curriculum intent, that lessons were disruption free, and that the school has an exemplary Safeguarding culture. The Ofsted report praised numerous aspects of Gildredge House, including:

• Pupils' courteous and respectful treatment of one another, demonstrating a strong understanding of inclusivity.
• Vibrant and calm classrooms that enable effective learning.
• Pupils' high attendance and value for what the school offers.
• The school's positive behaviour culture and tenacious approach to improving attendance.
• The well-developed personal development curriculum that prepares pupils for the future.
• That leaders are taking effective action to address school improvement priorities.

The report recommended only two areas for further development; refining the school's assessment practices and ensuring all teaching staff have the expertise to adapt learning to meet individual student needs.

"We are grateful to Ofsted for their thorough inspection and valuable feedback." added Mr Bull. "The validation and confidence that the inspectors had in our leadership of the school’s direction is extremely positive."

Chair of the Governing Board, Mr Thornhill, said, “The Governing Board is very pleased with the school’s recent Ofsted inspection outcomes. It reflects the hard work done by our entire school community. Staff, students and parents should be proud of this report, confident in the direction we are going, and the progress we have made. Our challenge now is to build on these firm foundations, seek further improvement and achieve excellence in all that we do.”

A parent of a Year 11 student who has been at the school for more than a decade, said of the report “Much deserved, we are very proud to be a part of Gildredge House”.

The full Ofsted inspection report is available on the Ofsted website here.

GCSE Results Day 2024

We are delighted to share that Year 11 students at Gildredge House have achieved the best GCSE examination results in our school’s history. On behalf of the staff and governors, we would like to congratulate all students for their hard work and positive attitude throughout the year that has resulted in this huge achievement.

A significant 22% of our cohort have achieved grades 7-9. There have been some incredible individual results, a special mention goes to Thomas P, Jasmine M and Rose M for academic excellence and Zayn W, Alex C and Raffy S for expectational progress.

Victoria Jenkins, Head of Secondary, said “Our Year 11’s this year have been fantastic role models and an absolute pleasure to work alongside. Every student has risen to the challenge, and it was fantastic to see so many happy students that can now go on to their chosen Post 16 Pathway.”

Craig Bull, Executive Head Teacher, said “We are very proud of all our Year 11 students. Their achievements are a real milestone for them and our school and shows what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance from both students and our staff."

Year 13 Results

We were delighted to see our Year 13 students celebrate their A Level and BTEC results today. They have worked incredibly hard over the two years and made ourselves and them very proud. 70% of our students who applied to university, were offered their first choice. We have students going on to do a variety of courses from Economics, Engineering, Theatre and Education to name a few. We also have students going on to follow their dreams and travel before deciding on a career, some going on to do apprenticeships and some directly into employment.

Mr Bull, Executive Head Teacher said: “Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on your excellent A-Level results! We are immensely proud that you have secured your places at university or the next step in your journey, which is a testament to your hard work, perseverance, and the education you have received at Gildredge House. This success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and commitment of our staff and your parents. Their tireless efforts in supporting and guiding you throughout your time have been instrumental in your achievements.
This year marks the end of an era, as we bid farewell to our Sixth Form. While this is a bittersweet moment, we are very proud of the impact that our Sixth Form has had on so many young people’s futures. The values and skills students have developed during their time with us will continue to shape the positive impact they make in the world and we continue to do this for our students from Reception to Year 11. Congratulations once again, and best wishes for your future endeavours. Gildredge House will always be your home."

Gildredge house celebrates 10 year anniversary

Gildredge House 10 Year Anniversary - Press Release

A day in the life of a Gildredge House pupil

GCSE RESULTS

Year 11 students received a warm welcome back to Gildredge House on Thursday morning when they collected their GCSE results and celebrated their fantastic achievements with family members and staff.

25% of all grades awarded at Gildredge House were grades 7-9. Subjects performing particularly well, with the highest number of grade 9s, include Languages and the Sciences.

There have been some incredible individual achievements and we would like to recognise Jamie M who achieved seven grade 9s, and Catherine W who achieved on average two grades above expected in all subjects. Special mentions must also go to Kitty H, Rose M, Ameen A, Charlie E-S, George P, Tom L, Erin B, and Grace M.

Craig Bull, Executive Head Teacher, said “We are immensely proud of all our students for their achievements today, and for the young people they have become while on their journey at Gildredge House. These students are one of the Year Groups that have been most affected by the pandemic, and to come out with these results highlights their perseverance and determination to succeed. I would also like to thank the dedicated team at Gildredge House for their support of our students.”

A-LEVEL & BTEC RESULTS DAY 2023

100% BTEC Pass Rates

13% A* to A Grades

33% A* to B Grades

We are enormously proud of our Sixth Form students who have received their A-Level and BTEC results today. Among the standout subjects, an exceptional 67% of students achieved A* or A grades in Mathematics and in Further Mathematics an impressive 50% of students achieved A* or A grades. Our Physical Education department secured 50% Distinction or Distinction* grades and Psychology students were awarded 75% A* to B grades.

This cohort of students completed their GCSE studies during the COVID Pandemic, making the jump to A Levels and Level 3 BTECs even more significant. Reflecting on this, we feel this year’s results are a testimony to the students’ commitment to their education and an illustration of their determination to Aspire in all they do.

"We are incredibly proud of all that our students have achieved" said Executive Head Teacher Craig Bull. "Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance have resulted in these great outcomes.  Whether pursuing higher education at a range of universities or embarking on their chosen careers, we have full confidence that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel and make a positive impact in their respective fields."

Chair of Governors, Julian Mace adds, “On behalf of the Governing Board, I wish to extend my gratitude to the dedicated teachers and staff members of Gildredge House. Their tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and exceptional pastoral care have been truly commendable. Additionally, I would like to express my appreciation to our parents and families for their invaluable support.

Following todays’ publication of results, many of our students have accepted places at high achieving universities. We are proud to say that when our students leave, they take with them more than just academic accomplishments. We put effort into nurturing a wide range of skills and qualities through our extra-curricular activities, pastoral care, and career support. These extra elements have proven invaluable in supporting our students as they transition to their next stage, whether that's further studies, training, or the start of their careers. This cohort of students have been fantastic members of our school community; for this we thank each and every student and wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Sports Day 2023

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