Lady Margaret School, located in Parson's Green, London, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on November 22 and 23, 2023. The school has received an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality education and support for its pupils. The headteacher, Elisabeth Stevenson, leads the school, which operates as a single academy under the Lady Margaret School Academy Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Arabella MacIntyre.
The inspection highlighted the exceptional support provided to pupils and students in the sixth form, emphasizing the school's clear strategic vision encapsulated in its motto, I have a goodly heritage. This vision fosters a nurturing and caring environment, ensuring that pupils feel secure and valued. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, promoting a strong sense of belonging and pride within the school community.
The curriculum at Lady Margaret School is ambitious and well-structured, enabling pupils to achieve outstanding outcomes across a diverse range of GCSE and A-level subjects. The school encourages the development of confidence and resilience, preparing students effectively for their future educational and career paths. Behaviour within the school is exemplary, with a low incidence of bullying, and teachers inspire a love of learning through their passion for their subjects.
In the sixth form, students are encouraged to become independent learners and take on leadership roles, such as mentoring younger pupils and organizing extracurricular activities. Subject leaders have carefully considered the curriculum content and its delivery, ensuring that pupils know what they need to learn and remember. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all students, with a focus on critical thinking and debate in lessons.
Teachers at Lady Margaret School demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and use assessment effectively to identify and address misconceptions in pupils' understanding. The school prioritizes reading, with all Year 7 pupils receiving dedicated reading lessons supported by sixth-form mentors. The approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs is thorough, with detailed plans in place to ensure that all students can access the full curriculum.
Behaviour across the school is consistently positive, supported by a clear and well-implemented behaviour policy that emphasizes being ready, responsible, and respectful. Pupils demonstrate a strong commitment to their education, completing tasks diligently and taking pride in their work. The school has established an early help system, providing additional support for pupils who may need it, contributing to high attendance rates and punctuality.
Lady Margaret School offers a comprehensive careers program starting from Year 7, guiding pupils through various pathways and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities that develop character and resilience. The school actively promotes physical and online safety and has a proactive approach to mental health, with well-being lessons in the sixth form that foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Leaders maintain high expectations for both academic achievement and personal development, providing numerous professional development opportunities for staff while considering their workload and well-being. The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring the continued success of the school. Overall, Lady Margaret School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a supportive and enriching environment for all its pupils.
