“We are incredibly proud”: Headteacher full of praise after Derbyshire secondary school meets Ofsted’s ‘expected standard’

The Bolsover School has welcomed a new Ofsted report this week, which shows that the school met the ‘expected standard’ across six main areas inspected.

The report comes after an inspection, which was carried out in November 2025, and was one of the first in the country to be completed under a new Ofsted framework.

According to the newly introduced rules, overall inspection grades are no longer given and inspectors instead award the schools with ratings across main inspection areas including: Attendance and behaviour, Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Inclusion, Leadership and governance, as well as Personal development and well-being..

The updated ratings include: Exceptional (the new highest grade), Strong standard, Expected standard, Needs attention and Urgent improvement (the new lowest grade).

In the report issued this week, inspectors have praised the Bolsover School across a number of areas – highlighting that the Derbyshire secondary is a place where pupils feel ‘safe and happy’.

The reports reads: “Pupils are known and celebrated as individuals. They are very well cared for. The school lives its key values as it ‘aims for nothing but the best’ for all pupils.”

Inspectors found that Key stage 4 examination results have generally been in line with national averages, with an improvement in 2025 despite a dip in the previous year.

Ofsted further complimented the school on curriculum and teaching, with inspectors obeserving that ‘pupils engage well in lessons’ and ‘most enjoy their learning’.

Inspectors commended teachers for being knowledgeable about their subjects, ‘explaining concepts’ clearly and ‘building on previous learning’.

School leaders were complimented for being ‘ambitious’ for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The report adds: “Leaders have consistently high expectations of staff and pupils. They lead with a clear moral purpose. They ensure that the school’s values are lived daily. ”

Personal development was seen as another strength of the school, with all pupils benefitting from a ‘well-thought-through’ programme including a range of extra-curricular opportunities.

Careers guidance was also recognised as effective, with pupils leaving school ‘well prepared for their next steps in education, training and employment.’

Inspectors highlighted some areas for further improvement, urging leaders to continue to build on their current work to ennsure teaching across subject areas was adapted ‘consistently and appropriately’ to overcome the challenges faced by disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Commenting on the report, Steph Spence, Head of School, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that this inspection report recognises the unwavering commitment to our young people within The Bolsover School community.

"The report highlights so many positive aspects of our pupils’ achievements and character, and we could not be prouder of them.”

Matthew Hall, Executive Headteacher, added: “We are incredibly proud that this inspection recognises the strong culture, high expectations and caring community at The Bolsover School.

"This report reflects the hard work of our staff, the ambition of our pupils and the unwavering support of our families. We remain committed to providing ‘nothing but the best’ for every young person in our care.”

The Bolsover School is part of Redhill Academy Trust, a multi academy trust comprising 20 academies across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Speaking about the Ofsted inspection results, Andrew Burns, Chief Executive of Redhill Academy Trust, commented: “This excellent report

reflects the strong contribution The Bolsover School makes to its students and parents, and the local community.

"It is particularly pleasing as we move into the planning phase for opening the Trust’s Post-16 Free School, North Derbyshire University Academy, which will further enhance the opportunities for young people in the area.”