What Makes an Outstanding School?

Student attainment and results remain the top priority according to the Promethean State of Technology in Education report. 

But do all educators agree that pupils’ progress should be the top objective? 

According to the report, attainment and pupils’ results always will be a school’s end goal — these objectives are the cornerstone of education. Much like following the national curriculum, they are omnipresent and largely cannot be changed. At the same time, educators increasingly recognise the high importance of pastoral care post-lockdown; ensuring pupils feel safe and secure after an extremely unsettling period of time.

So, what does make an outstanding school?

While most educators agree that the top priorities of a school are results and attainment, the definition of an outstanding school ticks more boxes. Some point out that an ‘outstanding’ status is an Ofsted goal and that genuinely outstanding schools should cater to more than regulatory accreditations, perhaps. Here’s what education professionals across the UK had to say:

“An outstanding school has a clear understanding of the wellbeing needs of the families they work with, offers learners the skills, support and challenge to thrive in their lives and encourages the delivery of learning through a deeper understanding of pedagogy and what actually makes the difference in learning.”

Assistant/Deputy Head, Local Authority Secondary, Scotland

“A school where the staff are a genuine team with shared values and where the welfare of the pupils is the highest priority.”

Teacher/Senior Teacher, Local Authority Primary, South West England

“One which doesn’t care about the results of their students, but their wellbeing and their personal development. Academic success should be the main focus of schooling, it is part of it, but often students succeed in different ways. For example, some students getting a 3 is a big achievement, but because they don’t count in school 9-4 statistics it is often not celebrated to the same degree.”

Head of Department/Faculty, Academy Secondary, South East England

“One which has a community feel and supports every pupil in ways which are suitable and individual to them. A school where all staff, parents and children work together to achieve the best possible for the children. A school where the children’s learning AND wellbeing is at the heart of the school.”

Teacher/Senior Teacher, Local Authority Primary, South East England

“A school that ignores badges such as this, and focuses instead on developing a curriculum that prepares students for the world of work in the 21st century whilst providing a well-rounded education that results in academic and technical success.”

Assistant/Deputy Head, Academy Secondary, London

All school staff recognise the importance of making pupils feel safe, secure, and nurtured. Some educators point out that, whilst essential, overall results shouldn’t be the only thing contributing to the definition of an “Outstanding” institution.

What do you think makes an outstanding school? Do you think there should be a stronger focus on wellbeing or attainment? We would love to know your thoughts.

Original article posted by Promethean World 

Improving student’s results is a key area of teacher’s responsibilities and technology can help educators make some short- and long-term wins. Here are 4 ways technology can be used to improve attainment in schools.