News
‘Outstanding’ Adams’ Grammar School – confirmed by Ofsted
Headmaster Jim Richardson, Governors, staff, pupils, parents, indeed the entire school community, are celebrating this week after receiving the report from our recent Ofsted inspection.
“What a fantastic school” is the opening line of the report – and actually the quote of one of our school parents. The report goes on to outline its findings, gathered over two days at the end of January by a team of inspectors, and concludes that “This is indeed a truly impressive school.”
Adams’ rated as Grade 1 ‘outstanding’ in nearly all the listed categories. These explore the overall effectiveness of the school; the effectiveness of the sixth form; boarding provision; achievements and standards; personal development and well-being; quality of teaching and learning; curriculum and other activities; care, guidance and support; leadership and management.
Superlatives abound throughout the report, referring to “exceptionally high academic standards,” “outstanding leadership,” “excellent care, guidance and support to ensure students remain on track,” “determination to succeed,” on the part of students and their progress, “so many opportunities to find fulfilment” in respect of an outstanding range of extra-curricular activities and “unparalleled opportunities” in boarding.
We are a real community here at Adams’ with a strong, distinct and quite unique ethos which is valued highly by our pupils and parents alike. Our aim is to produce high achieving, interested and well rounded young citizens. This has been ably demonstrated by this independent endorsement.
In expressing his delight and pride the Headmaster said, “I feel that this is a true reflection of the School today and a tribute to the hard work of the teaching and support staff, the pupils and the parents. I would like to congratulate and thank all concerned.”
Report available at: www.ofsted.gov.uk
New Headmaster Appointed
Our current Deputy Head (Curriculum) Mr Michael Barratt has been named as the new Headmaster of Adams’ Grammar School. Michael will succeed Jim Richardson in September 2008.
Mr Barratt has been Deputy Head (Curriculum) at Adams’ for the last five years and Head of Department in a large boys’ boarding school prior to that. A family man, Michael is married to Susanna and they have three children, two daughters in their twenties and a son of eleven. In addition to his duties in school as Deputy Headmaster (Curriculum) Michael teaches Business Studies and Mathematics. His interests are wide-ranging, including music, drama, sport and outdoor pursuits. Outside of school Michael plays tennis for a local club and enjoys skiing, running and fair weather motorcycling. He also indulges in traditional jazz (for stress relief!).
“I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen as the next Headmaster of this fine school and greatly look forward to the new challenge. I believe it is important that the school builds on the outstanding work done by Jim Richardson and I look to the future with a sense of anticipation for even greater success."
In announcing the Governors’ appointment Headmaster Jim Richardson said, ”I am really pleased to make this announcement. Michael has had a real impact on the standard of both the formal and informal curriculum within the School. Knowing the school so well and, with the strong backing of pupils, parents and staff, I am convinced that he is the right person to develop the school and to raise standards still further. I look forward to continuing my close relationship with him in my new role.” Far from severing his ties with Adams’, at the end of the Summer Jim Richardson will move fully into the role of Chief Executive of the Haberdashers’ Adams’ Federation, the partnership between The Haberdashers’ Company, Adams’ Grammar School and the Abraham Darby Academy, maintaining strong links with School.
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