Shropshire school’s ‘exceptionally positive approach to learning’ praised

Adcote School for Girls, in Little Ness, underwent an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in November, and the findings have been released.

Inspectors judged the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements as ‘good’ and the quality of student’s personal development as ‘excellent’.

The inspectorate said all pupils at the non-selective school, which caters for students aged seven to 19 and has 177 students, demonstrated an “exceptionally positive approach to their learning”, with highly effective study skills developed from an early age.

Headmistress Diane Browne said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our inspection report and are thrilled that the hard work we have invested in the school has been acknowledged, especially in the outstanding comments made about our work in bringing about excellent personal development in all our pupils.

“The report is an affirmation of our vision going forward. It gives us both the confidence and firm footing to continue with our comprehensive programme of improvements.”

Other findings stated pupils enjoyed excellent levels of success in national competitions for sport, music and that behaviour in the school was exemplary.

Inspectors said: “Pupils have an extremely well-developed level of maturity by the time they move on to university. When they leave the school, they are very well prepared for the next stage of their lives and ready to take on their future challenges as capable, resilient and confident young people.”

Improvements to the ICT provision and assessments were part of two recommendations given by inspectors, however they acknowledged the school already had plans in place to achieve this.

Inspectors also advised the school to improve pupils' understanding of how to improve their work across all subject areas, by giving constant feedback.