High Rating for UK Girls School

Lubavitch Senior Girls’ School has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted in its recent inspection, the second highest award given out by Ofsted, the official body of the UK government for inspecting schools.

The ‘Good’ rating has been exceptionally difficult for all schools to gain and reflects the high standards achieved by the school. The school had previously been rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2013 but has improved across the board and is now rated as Good.

The report highlights the work of the senior team for the school’s new rating. Mrs. Helen Freeman received particular praise in the report which states, “The headteacher has worked with determination and vision to tackle the areas of weakness identified at the last inspection. She knows the school and its community very well and has been able to drive forward change at a considerable pace.”

There was also special mention for the Governors, Staff and pupils in the report, who have all played their part in attaining the Good rating. Referring to the quality of teaching at the school, the report says, “There is a new momentum for developing teaching and learning in the school.”

Looking at wider school life, the report says: “Opportunities to enrich learning are a regular feature of school life,” this has led to a focus on meaningful extra-curricular activities including regular visits to local old age homes Schonfeld Square and Sage.

The school was also active around the recent London Mayoral Elections hosting David Lammy MP (Labour) and former MP Lee Scott (Conservative) to explain the issues at hand. This was followed by a mock election and there are similar plans in the lead up to the EU referendum.

The school was singled out for its limudei kodesh which it has been able to tie into the National Curriculum, paying tribute to this the report says, “significant parts of the national curriculum are delivered through Jewish studies and this has been carefully mapped out by the school.” It has also invited a series of ex-pupils currently working within the kehillah to act as role models for the current students.

Louise Hager, the Chairperson of Chai Cancer Care has visited the school and talked about the important work her charity does, explaining her career path after having graduated from the school. The pupils also voted for the school charity and currently regularly team up with Zichron Menachem to raise money for their work.

Following the inspection Mrs. Helen Freeman said: “I would like to pay tribute to the Hackney Learning Trust as well as the Governors, staff and pupils of the school who have helped us attain this Good rating. Our school is a credit to our kehilla and I am proud that we will continue to give our pupils a fantastic education to prepare them for whatever path they choose for their futures.”

The school has been encouraged to expand its sixth form provision and from September 2016, for the first time, the school will have a Year 13. It will introduce a number of courses throughout Years 12 and 13 including a two year Health and Social Care qualification.

The school Principal, Rabbi Shmuel Lew, who also received specific praise in the report said: “We are proud of our superb pupils and our incredible team, who bring out their best. We intend to continue to improve, and to be recognized as an Outstanding school, while remaining true to the Chabad ethos, our greatest strength.”