North London Hospital School based at the Priory Hospital in North London, a mental healthcare facility, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The school was rated ‘outstanding’ overall and in all of the assessment categories: “effectiveness of leadership and management”; “quality of teaching, learning and assessment”; “personal development, behaviour and welfare”, “outcomes for pupils” and its “sixth form provision”.

In their report, following their inspection, Ofsted said: “The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding throughout the school and meets pupils’ needs extremely well. Excellent teaching ensures that pupils continue with their learning while they are in hospital. Teachers quickly convey the high expectations for all pupils to achieve well. The speed at which teaching enables pupils to engage in their learning is remarkable.”

Ofsted went on to say, “Pupils with varying abilities and different starting points achieve exceptionally well at this school. Throughout all year groups, current pupils make good or better progress in a range of subjects, including English, Mathematics and Science. Pupils take on board the subject expertise of teachers to make significant gains in their knowledge, understanding and skills. Pupils’ outcomes in Art are strong… Aspirational teaching and appropriate guidance led to almost a third of pupils achieving top grades across many subjects, including in History.

The inspectors described the leadership of the school as being “exceptional” and “dynamic”. They said the school’s governance is “highly effective”.

The report said the school’s work to promote personal development and welfare is “outstanding”. It went on to explain how “leaders and teaching staff support pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing extremely well. Therapists work closely with leaders and teaching staff to deliver programmes and set target tailored to pupils’ needs. Opportunities are available for regular physical activity, and pupils learn about nutrition to keep them fit and healthy.”

The school provides bespoke education for pupils admitted to Priory Hospital North London’s child and adolescent mental health service unit (CAMHS), which is located in the same building. The hospital is located in Southgate, north London. The specialist school is managed by Aspris Children’s Services

Melody Ward, Head teacher, said: “What a fantastic achievement this is. It is great to go from being rated ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’. I want to thank all my team for their tireless efforts and always striving for excellence.”