'Pupils excel at this remarkable school' (Ofsted)
Ofsted most recently visited the School in the summer term of 2026. Inspectors found Queen Elizabeth’s to be ‘exceptional’ – the new top grade – in all seven of their judgement areas.
Describing QE as a “remarkable school”, the report states: “Pupils love coming to school. They enjoy being academically challenged and embrace the extraordinary amount of wider opportunities that they access.” The full report can be read below:
In their report, they used a string of superlatives – including ‘remarkable’ no fewer than eight times – to describe the School’s provision. The document contains no suggestions for what QE could do better, instead stating: “Leaders are absolutely relentless in identifying any small areas in the school that can be improved.”
Here is a further selection of comments from the report:
- “Pupils’ achievements in national examinations at both GCSE and A-level are exceptional. Their academic outcomes have been among the very highest nationally for several years. Although pupils are very able when they enter in Year 7, the school accelerates their progress through the curriculum to ensure that they are extremely well prepared to thrive when they leave the school.”
- “The curriculum is remarkably ambitious…Teachers are subject experts. They carefully design opportunities in lessons to ensure that pupils gain an in-depth understanding of the curriculum. Any gaps in knowledge or misconceptions are precisely identified and swiftly addressed.”
- “Achievement at post-16 is extraordinary. Students apply and synthesise knowledge fluently and articulate their learning with authority…”
- “Students are equipped with the knowledge, resilience and flexibility of thought to succeed in some of the most academically challenging environments in the world.”
- “The careers provision is extremely thorough. Pupils develop very high aspirations. They access a wealth of external speakers and work experience opportunities.”
- “The programme for personal development and wellbeing is remarkable. Every single pupil across the school takes part in a plethora of élite-level co-curricular activities each week.”
- “Pastoral support is extremely precise. Pupils receive bespoke support with their wellbeing. Any concerns are identified extremely swiftly, and highly impactful support is put in place to ensure that pupils continue to thrive.”
- “Leaders rapidly identify any barriers to learning and wellbeing that pupils may have. Leaders put in place highly bespoke packages of support to ensure that barriers are overcome and that all vulnerable pupils achieve and thrive in all areas of school life… Pupils with SEND and other vulnerabilities, such as those known to social care, absolutely flourish in this school. They achieve remarkable outcomes and progress to very impressive destinations when they leave the school.”
- “The pupil premium funding is skilfully used to ensure that every disadvantaged pupil has complete equity of experience.”
- “Behaviour in the school is exemplary. Leaders and staff have extremely high expectations for behaviour, conduct and attitudes to learning. Pupils continuously meet these expectations…Younger pupils speak of the kindness and support shown by older pupils. They are proud of their community and look after each other.”
- “Pupils’ attendance is extremely high… Leaders place the highest standards of attendance at the heart of their work…setting uncompromisingly clear expectations around attendance.”
- “Every single decision is taken in the very best interests of pupils. Leaders know each pupil in the school remarkably well. They regularly meet with them one to one and check the impact of all areas of their work with former pupils to ensure everything they do supports pupils to thrive.”
- “Leaders have extremely high expectations of all staff…Staff are highly appreciative of the support for their workload and wellbeing.”
- “Governors have a deep understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities.”
Queen Elizabeth’s was previously awarded Ofsted’s highest grading of ‘outstanding’ following an inspection in May 2022. Older reports can be downloaded below.
Download Full Ofsted inspection report (May 2022)
Download Full Ofsted inspection report (January 2008)