The Petersfield School, located in Petersfield, Hampshire, has been recognized as an outstanding educational institution. Under the leadership of headteacher Mark Marande, the school is part of the Bohunt Education Trust, which provides a collaborative framework for its operation. The recent inspection conducted on May 21 and 22, 2024, confirmed the school's status, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and personal development for its pupils.
Students and staff express a strong sense of pride in being part of Team TPS. The school fosters an environment where pupils achieve academically while also growing personally. Parents have praised the well-rounded education provided, with many noting that their children return home happy and enthusiastic about their learning experiences. The school's extra-curricular program is particularly noteworthy, offering a diverse range of activities that include rock climbing, scuba diving, and horse riding, which contribute to high levels of student engagement and participation.
Behavior among pupils is exemplary, with minimal disruptions during lessons. Students respect their teachers and understand the high expectations set for their academic performance, which motivates them to work diligently. The school promotes kindness and respect among students, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates individual differences.
The Petersfield School has implemented a highly ambitious curriculum in collaboration with other schools in the trust. A significant proportion of pupils are entered for the English Baccalaureate, and both disadvantaged pupils and their peers achieve excellent outcomes in these subjects. While attendance issues among a small number of pupils have impacted overall progress measures, the school has made impressive strides in improving attendance and minimizing the effects of persistent absence on learning.
The curriculum is well-structured, clearly outlining what pupils are expected to know and remember in each subject. It is broad and exceeds national curriculum expectations, with teachers introducing relevant concepts that engage students. The quality of resources used in teaching is high, ensuring accessibility for all pupils. Teachers regularly assess student learning and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly, which is particularly beneficial for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Notably, pupils with such needs made more progress on average than their peers in the most recent published outcomes.
The school also places a strong emphasis on personal, social, health, and economic education, covering important topics such as British values, morality, and healthy relationships. Pupils demonstrate maturity and compassion when discussing these issues, reflecting their understanding of equality and its significance in modern society. The school provides an excellent careers education program, ensuring that all pupils receive guidance and information about future opportunities.
Leadership at The Petersfield School is dedicated to the well-being and workload of staff, contributing to a positive working environment. Teachers appreciate the training and support they receive, as well as the networking opportunities provided by the trust. The governors and trustees actively challenge and support school leaders, sharing their ambition for the school's future and commitment to ensuring that all pupils achieve well and enjoy their educational experience.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. This inspection marks the first ungraded inspection since the school was last judged outstanding in November 2018, and it confirms the continued excellence of The Petersfield School in providing high-quality education.
