A secondary school in Gateshead has maintained its perfect record of ‘outstanding’ judgements with the latest inspection confirming its position as an exceptional place of learning.
Emmanuel College is one of only three secondary schools in the North East that have maintained Ofsted’s outstanding grading since grades were introduced just under 20 years ago.
Emmanuel was graded as outstanding in 2006, 2009, 2013 and again in the latest report following an inspection in mid-October. Although Ofsted no longer provides single word, overall judgements, the college was graded outstanding across all five inspection categories.
This time, inspectors said “pupils benefit from an exceptional curriculum that is highly ambitious and stimulating” and that the school “has a relentless drive to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential”.
Emmanuel’s commitment to developing pupils’ character is “exemplary”, teachers are “experts in their subjects” and support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “highly effective” so they achieve well in exams.
Emmanuel College was founded in 1990 as a City Technology College and quickly built a reputation for academic excellence, exemplary behaviour among students and character education.
Care for students underpinned by the school’s Christian ethos once again received praise from inspectors. They noted that staff care deeply for pupils who are taught that they are ‘infinitely precious’ and their best interests and well-being are at the heart of leaders’ decisions. “The school is a diverse and tolerant community where pupils’ individuality is celebrated and where pupils’ gifts and talents are nurtured.”
Pupils are not just happy and safe but also rise to the very high expectations that the school has of them, behave exceptionally well and take their learning seriously leading to “impressive” examination results at the end of Year 11 and Year 13. Sixth formers are “excellent role models” for younger pupils.
The college’s commitment to character education means students are independent and resilient and able to take “ambitious next steps when they leave the school”. They have well developed vocabulary and social skills and they articulate themselves confidently and maturely.
The inspectors concluded: “Leaders have sustained very high standards over time. Trustees and local governors have a precise understanding of the school. The school has responded effectively to local changes in the education landscape. As a result, more pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, benefit from the high-quality education at the school.”
Matt Waterfield, Principal at Emmanuel College, said the college would not be complacent but would enjoy “a period of celebration and thankfulness”.
He said: “I am delighted that the hard work of our students, the expertise of our staff and the dedication of our community has been recognised in this report. Inspectors have commented on the importance of our Christian ethos, our commitment to welcome, safety and opportunity and the excellence that we seek to aspire to in all that we do.
“We provide an education founded on a belief that young people are infinitely precious, morally responsible and gifted for a purpose. We have created a culture of high expectations, personal best achievement and a commitment to character education and so our young people make exceptional progress through the curriculum, achieve amazing outcomes and grow into young people ready to face the challenge of life.”
Mr Waterfield added: “We are excited about the next phase in the life of the school, focusing on sustaining exceptionality and continuing to invest in our partnership with our sister school in Gateshead, Grace College.”
Dr Mark Pike, CEO of Emmanuel Schools Foundation of which Emmanuel College is part, added: “This exceptional Ofsted report is vindication of Emmanuel College’s approach to education as the flagship school in our trust.”
