Hounsdown School, Totton, is outstanding – it’s official!

OUTSTANDING! That’s the verdict from Ofsted inspectors who gave Hounsdown School the highest possible mark in 25 out of 26 judgement categories.

They described “learning and success” as being at the heart of the “very inclusive” school that puts pupils’ needs first.

Inspectors said this resulted in pupils making excellent academic achievement and personal development.

The oversubscribed school was also praised for its outstanding leadership and teaching, as well as excellent pupil progress.

GCSE exam results were complimented for being consistently high, with the percentage of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths, higher than both the national and county average.

All pupils leave the school with at least five A* to G grades.

Inspectors also praised the school on its “excellent” range of extra-curricular activities, events, trips and projects.

Pupils’ behaviour was found to be excellent and the school showed “extremely high” standards of care and support through an “excellent” pastoral system.

As a specialist science college the science department provision was declared outstanding and pupils were found to have positive approaches to learning across the curriculum.

Inspectors said pupils’ good information and communication technology skills, coupled with excellent achievement in maths and English, prepared them well for employment or further education.

Head teacher Di Nightingale said: “I am delighted Ofsted has acknowledged the outstanding achievements of pupils and staff. The whole school community is proud of this report.”

Chairman of governors Adrienne Double said: “This confirms what parents and governors know from first-hand experience – Hounsdown provides an excellent quality of education for all pupils.”