Click here to read the full article on the report

The official Inspection Report following the visit of the Estyn inspectors from 10th-14th November is published today. We are delighted to be able to record that the school received the highest grade (1) for each one of the seven key questions, namely:
 
How well do learners achieve?
How effective are teaching, training and assessment?
How well do the learning experiences meet the needs and interests of learners and the wider community?
How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?
How effective are leadership and strategic management?
How well do leaders and managers evaluate and improve quality and standards?
How efficient are leaders and managers in using resources?

Mrs Davis, our Principal, commented, “I am thrilled with this outstanding report which awards us a Grade One in each of the seven key areas. We are one of the last schools to be inspected under the current ESTYN inspection process. No other independent school in Wales has previously achieved this accolade. This is a great achievement which I feel accurately reflects the very high standard of education at Howell’s. The teaching and support staff are extremely talented and hard-working and everyone gives 110% for the school.”
Many congratulations to everyone!

Here are some quotations from the report:
“Throughout the school, pupils display outstanding features in their work including:
• extensive understanding, recall and application of techniques and skills in the subjects they study;
• ability to take the knowledge and skills they have learned in one topic and apply it in new contexts, for example to solve problems; and
• high levels of informed and perceptive questioning to develop their understanding further.”
“In all key stages, the personal, social and learning skills of most pupils are particularly well-developed. Pupils of all ages are highly motivated, apply themselves conscientiously to their work and work together effectively.”
“Working relationships between staff and pupils are outstanding and provide a vibrant climate for effective learning.”
“Other outstanding features in teaching include:
• very effective questioning that encourages pupils to think carefully and deeply about their work;
• a wide range of teaching methods that match pupils’ individual needs very well and set high expectations and challenging, yet achievable, targets;
• encouraging active involvement and participation in discussion and practical work with excellent use of information and communications technology to support and develop learning; and
• excellent knowledge, understanding and application of course and examination requirements.”
“The school provides outstanding opportunities to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and also their personal and social development through assemblies, well-planned lessons and charity events.”
“The provision of information and events to inform pupils about higher education opportunities and careers are outstanding.”
“There are many outstanding features in the quality of care, guidance and support for pupils. Among these are the systems for academic and pastoral support for pupils of all abilities across the school.”
“Induction and transition procedures in the primary and senior sections of the school and in the college are outstanding. Pupils of all ages confirm that they are made to feel a valued part of the school community very quickly, regardless of when they join the school.”
“There are many outstanding features in the quality of the provision for pupils with special educational needs. “These pupils have full access to the curriculum and support for them is effective and appropriately managed.”
The quality of the provision for equal opportunities has outstanding features. The school has very high expectations for pupils of all abilities and everyone is encouraged to become fully integrated into the life of the school.”
“The school is very successful in promoting tolerance, mutual respect and understanding between pupils from diverse backgrounds.”
“The school has very clear aims and objectives that are well understood and shared by everyone. The principal and her deputy provide outstanding leadership. They work well together and give the school a strong sense of purpose and direction. They are highly respected by the school community.”
“The school has extensive resources and facilities of high quality.”
“Overall the school offers a rich and broadly balanced curriculum.”
“The curriculum contributes very effectively to the achievement of the school’s aims and prepares pupils well for the next stages of their education and the world of work. The school works hard to ensure that all its pupils have equal access to all aspects of the curriculum.”
“The school provides an outstanding programme of extra-curricular clubs and activities that significantly enhances learning opportunities and experiences for all pupils. Provision covers a wide range of sporting, academic and musical activities.”
“There is mutual respect between teachers, pupils and students. Subject teachers are very supportive and approachable.” 

For a full copy of the Estyn report please  CLICK HERE