Ofsted and SIAMS
Ofsted
In January 2024 we received an ungraded (section 8) inspection. The inspectors found that Townsend continues to be a good school and will return in four years for a graded inspection.
We are very proud of our school and our aim is to provide a secure and happy environment where all our students can enjoy working and learning. Townsend is where all can develop their potential to the fullest extent, intellectually, spiritually, personally and socially in preparation for a successful and creative adult life.
Some quotes from the report:
“All are made to feel safe, welcomed and valued.”
“Most pupils are happy to be at school and make good friendships.”
“Classrooms are positive places in which to teach and learn.”
“The behaviour of the great majority of pupils is very good. They are polite and show respect for everyone.”
“Pupils benefit from knowledgeable teaching.”
“Pupils have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities.”
“They participate in musical productions, and benefit from having the St Albans Music School based on the school site.”
“Teachers have good subject knowledge. They present ideas and information clearly, including in the sixth form.”
“The behaviour of the great majority of pupils is impressive, particularly as they move around the school site.”
“Sixth-form students are excellent ambassadors for the school.”
“The school’s ethos of respecting everyone is clearly lived out in the way that staff and pupils behave.”
“People from all backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles can be themselves and thrive at Townsend.”
January 2024 Ofsted Report found here
SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools)
Our last SIAMS inspection was in May 2024. The inspection findings state that Townsend Church of England School is living up to its foundation as a Church school. SIAMS no longer issue single word judgements or a grading, rather report whether a school is either living up to its foundation as a Church school, or working towards this.
The report highlights Townsend’s Christian vision ‘respect for all, achievement for all’ and how this has been enriched and updated over time. It directly addresses the current needs of its ethnically and culturally diverse school community. It also notes that Townsend is a community where people feel valued and are supported to achieve and is a community in which people treat each other well.
Some quotes from the report:
‘The outworking of the vision results in a palpable sense of belonging in the Townsend community.’
‘They all understand and live out the school’s vision of ‘Respect for all, achievement for all’.
‘Students develop spiritually during their time at Townsend into reflective and compassionate young adults. The school’s culture gives them the capacity and the drive to change their school and community for the better.’
‘They monitor the impact of the school vision rigorously by using regular surveys and focus groups, responding swiftly to ensure that concerns are addressed.’
‘Townsend’s emphasis on curricular and extra-curricular music and other expressive arts enables students to thrive by developing teamwork, empathy and celebrating their creativity.’
‘At Townsend, students and staff talk freely about their beliefs and respect the standpoints of others.’
‘Students work with the chaplain to craft these acts of worship, which are landmark celebrations of the school’s Church of England foundation.’
‘Townsend is a community in which people treat each other well. The tone is set by leaders who care deeply for staff and students and act tirelessly to promote their wellbeing. As a result, members of the community know that they are valued and treated as individuals.’
‘Students grow during their time in school into reflective and compassionate young adults. This is a result of the school vision’s focus on the importance of respectful relationships.’
