‘An unrelenting culture of ambition and care’: Percy Hedley School rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
Percy Hedley School in Killingworth has retained their title of providing outstanding education, in all areas, following a recent Ofsted investigation.
The report, released on 17 January, highlighted the “exceptional” provisions of the school that caters to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Ofsted investigators stated that:
“Pupils receive a rich and fulfilling education at Percy Hedley School. An unrelenting culture of ambition and care underpins all that happens in the school.
“The school team work tirelessly to ensure that any barriers to learning are overcome. Timely therapeutic care supports pupils to access their education. This enables pupils to achieve exceptionally well. Pupils are highly motivated and enthusiastic learners.”
The report highlighted the school’s emphasis on providing a variety of communication forms to allow pupils to express their feelings and preferences successfully, celebrating staff who are “highly proficient” in teaching pupils to use these approaches.
Staff were further celebrated for being “highly successful in helping pupils, who need additional support, to regulate their emotions”, resulting in “exceptional behaviour”.
The news comes with great delight to Headteacher John Steward, who also maintained the top tier rating in the schools’ 2023 inspection.
John said:
“This exceptional result is a testament to the dedication and passion of every student and staff member at Percy Hedley School. I’m especially proud that our students’ exemplary behaviour, along with our focus on nurturing their personal development, has been so clearly recognised.
"As a team, our staff are unwavering in their commitment to enhancing the lives of our students, supporting their growth both academically and personally. I couldn’t be prouder of this outstanding report, which truly reflects our deep commitment to the success and wellbeing of our students.
"A heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to this achievement – we should all take great pride in the remarkable progress we make together at Percy Hedley School.”
The school, based in West Lane, provides educational and developmental support to 164 pupils aged 3-19 years old.