Townley Grammar School in Bexleyheath has been rated Outstanding in all areas following a visit to the school on February 28 and March 1, 2023, in what was the first full review since 2015.
Although the school had been exempt from routine checks due to a previous Outstanding grade, the latest findings confirm that standards remain exceptionally high.
The report noted that pupils feel respected and heard, stating: “Pupils are very proud of their school. They feel highly valued and know that their voices are heard.”
Inspectors praised the way students contributed to choosing English texts that reflect the diversity of the school community, saying this helped pupils feel included and represented.
The environment at Townley was described as welcoming and supportive. The report found that “new pupils are warmly welcomed to the school,” including boys who join the sixth form.
Leaders, trustees and staff were described as highly ambitious for their students. According to the report, “all pupils study a wide range of subjects” and benefit from a curriculum that is both broad and academically rigorous.
Dance remains one of the most popular subjects. Inspectors noted that pupils described it as “the beating heart of the school.”
Townley’s extracurricular programme also stood out. The report stated that “pupils participate in an impressive range of activities,” including school productions, sports, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and trips abroad to countries such as India, Japan and Argentina.
Behaviour was another area of strength. Inspectors said that “pupils’ behaviour is exemplary,” adding that they take responsibility for their actions and rarely need correction.
The school was also found to deal effectively with incidents of bullying. According to the report, “any issues are resolved quickly.”
Ofsted praised the school’s safeguarding practices, adding that “pupils are kept safe.”
Teaching was described as clear and well-structured, with staff regularly checking what pupils know and identifying any misconceptions. The report stated that “teachers waste no time correcting any mistakes that they find.”
Inspectors also recognised the school’s efforts to build independence among learners, reporting that “pupils are supported to become independent learners.”
Sixth-form students were found to be enthusiastic and motivated. Ofsted noted that “many choose to do the extended project qualification” to challenge themselves and deepen their studies.
The report highlighted the strength of SEND support, stating that “leaders make sure that pupils with SEND receive the support needed to successfully access all learning.”
Safeguarding training was judged to be thorough and up to date. Ofsted wrote that “staff are aware of the local risks that pupils face and they are well equipped to identify vulnerable pupils and report concerns.”
Pupils are also taught how to stay safe in all aspects of life. The report stated that “leaders invite outside speakers to speak to pupils, for example about healthy relationships.”
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the school’s personal development programme. The report explained that “through the character and well-being programme, pupils are taught age-appropriate subject content about relationships and sex education.”
Enrichment opportunities were found to be wide-ranging and inclusive.
According to the report, “leaders check that all pupils are taking part in these opportunities.”
Staff were also positive about the school’s leadership. Inspectors wrote that “staff value this dialogue and feel that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being.”
Townley Grammar received the highest possible rating in all key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, sixth-form provision, and overall effectiveness.
Ofsted concluded that “pupils enjoy their learning immensely” and that they thrive in an environment of “high academic challenge and comprehensive pastoral care.”
