December 2023
Dear Parent/Carer,
As you know North Halifax Grammar School (NHGS) was inspected by Ofsted on November 8th and 9th 2023. This was a scheduled Section 5 Inspection. Under the New Inspection Framework previously Outstanding Schools which had been exempt from Inspection were once again included in the inspection schedule. NHGS was last inspected in 2011 under a completely different Ofsted Framework. We were therefore anticipating this inspection and a great deal of work had been undertaken in preparation.
Ofsted has graded the school Good overall with an Outstanding Sixth Form. We are satisfied that this is a fair reflection of where the school is now under the New Framework and we are pleased that the Inspectors’ assessment matches our own Self Evaluation. As a former Ofsted Inspector who inspected schools under the previous and current frameworks, as well as being a Headteacher for several inspections, I can confidently confirm that the Outstanding criteria under this framework is significantly different from that used in 2011. Indeed, an analysis of Ofsted Inspections under the New Framework demonstrates that a high proportion of previously Outstanding schools have now been graded Good and that this is intended to reduce the number of Outstanding schools nationally.
NHGS is on a journey and this inspection fairly reflects where the school is at this point in its journey. The report acknowledges that Leadership have identified this and that strategies are already in place to address the areas for improvement. Notably, the work done over the last year to introduce a Respect Charter and the firm line taken with those that show intolerance to others. Also, the review of the PSHE curriculum, which is already well underway and the development of teaching pedagogy through the introduction of Scholarship and the Trivium. The school is appreciative of the endorsement of these initiatives by the inspection.
The report is short but it devotes significant space to the many strong features of the school. Chief amongst this is the Outstanding Sixth Form which is “exceptional” where students “benefit from their teachers’ expertise…. and behaviour and attitudes are exemplary”. The description of NHGS as “an ambitious and caring school” where “relationships…. are warm and respectful” neatly captures the essence of our school.
Much more was shared by inspectors at the feedback to Leaders and Trustees which cannot be included in the report. Of particular note was the frequent use of the word “joy” to describe the experience of being in the school. I can echo that from my experience since joining in January this year and it seems a fitting note to end on as I complete my first full year as Headteacher at NHGS.
Yours sincerely
D Deehan
Headteacher