Ofsted praise for college that gave children back their self-esteem

Frewen College, in Northiam, underwent an inspection in June and the findings were published on Friday (July 7).

While rating the college ‘good’ over all, inspectors Matthew Barnes and Lesley Corbett found the behaviour, welfare and personal development of the 112 students to be ‘outstanding’.

In his report, Mr Barnes said principal Nick Goodman was “focused and strategic”, adding: “The principal, ably supported by other senior leaders, governors and subject leaders, has successfully and rightly instilled an unwavering focus on improving pupils’ achievement through the quality of teaching. The school is very well placed to improve further.”

The report praised the progress made by children in English, particularly the development of their speaking and listening skills.

Given the majority of students at Frewen are dyslexic, Mr Goodman was particularly pleased with this finding.

He said: “Dyslexic children are usually challenged by reading and writing so we are particularly delighted that Ofsted said ‘outcomes in English are very strong, particularly in reading, and that pupils make exceptional progress in their speaking and listening skills’.

“We are all very proud of our school and pupils and it is wonderful to get such positive feedback. The report recognises all the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of the children and teachers.”

Mr Goodman said he and his team were “very pleased” with their rating and added they would “continue striving for even better”.

Ofsted’s report recognised that pupils often arrived at Frewen from other schools having developed “very negative views of education and of themselves”.

The work of Mr Goodman and his team was found to have helped the children make “rapid gains” in their self confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem.

Mr Barnes said: “Pupils are keen to do well and want to make a contribution to the school, to the local community and as global citizens whenever the opportunity arises.

“Consequently, they feel they are valued members of their community and that they have the potential to make a difference.”

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