News

Teachers, staff, pupils and governors at Dover Grammar School for Girls are celebrating an exceptional report from Ofsted, the official body for inspecting schools, which rated it as outstanding - one of a handful of schools in the county to be judged so highly.

The report is a glowing tribute to everyone at the school. Ofsted inspector Helen Hutchings comments: "This is an outstanding school. One parent summed up the views conveyed by many others when stating, 'I am very pleased that my daughter has the opportunity to attend such an excellent, high-achieving school.'

"Standards are very high. Students join the school with standards already above national averages. In each year group, the gap between the school and national levels of performance increases significantly, indicating outstanding progress and achievement. The school has improved the already high levels of performance found in the last inspection and is rightly proud that performance at A level was the highest in the local authority for three of the last five years.

"Another parent commented, 'DGGS is not only teaching my girls what they need to know academically but how to achieve their full potential and aim high with confidence and ability.'

"Undoubtedly the school's success is as a result of the excellence of teaching overall and a rich curriculum which provides students with an outstanding range and quality of learning activities within lessons and beyond.

"Leadership and management are outstanding. The headteacher and senior managers provide excellent leadership and are dedicated to 'academic excellence and personal fulfilment'. One parent commented on the 'welcoming atmosphere which is down to the strong influence of a caring and dynamic headteacher'. The effectiveness of this approach is evident in the recent success in achieving specialist humanities status."

In a letter to students at the school, she adds: "I want to thank you for your warm welcome and the contribution you made to the inspection by talking to us about your perceptions of the school. Most of your parents commented very positively in response to our questionnaire. Since the last inspection when the school was judged to be good there have been more improvements. We agree with you that DGGS is an outstanding school."

Headteacher Judith Carlisle said: "This was a robust and thorough inspection of every aspect of school life. I feel so proud of our students and staff, whose efforts have been recognised in every Grade 1 judgement. This is a truly unique school, where every visitor recognises the happy atmosphere and the confidence of the students. To be the headteacher of such a school is a joy."

Chair of Governors John Philpott added: "Governors are delighted with Ofsted's judgement that our school community is 'outstanding' in every area inspected. It's a great team result achieved through exceptional leadership, inspired teaching, excellent support staff and enthusiastic students and parents. A rare accolade indeed, but thoroughly well-deserved."

Cabinet Member for Education John Simmonds said: "At a time when grammar schools are in the spotlight it is so pleasing to hear this news. My sincere congratulations to everyone at the school on this achievement."

A copy of the report is available online at www.dggs.kent.sch.uk (link opens in a new window)