Ofsted: Two Consecutive Outstanding Ratings

Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) is the UK government body that inspects and regulates schools and colleges. Its highest rating, Outstanding, is reserved for institutions that deliver exceptional education, leadership, and student outcomes.

We are proud to have been rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in our 2024 inspection, following the same result in 2021. To be recognised at this level twice in succession is rare, reflecting the consistent excellence that defines life at Ashbourne.

Why is this achievement so significant? According to Ofsted’s own data, only around 14% of state-funded schools in England are currently rated Outstanding. That number has declined in recent years due to a tougher inspection framework. Since the exemption policy ended in 2020, many schools that had previously held the grade have been re-inspected, and just 30% managed to retain it.

When you combine those figures (14% achieving Outstanding, and only 30% of those maintaining it after a full re-inspection) it becomes clear how rare Ashbourne’s accomplishment is. Fewer than 5% of schools nationally hold two consecutive Outstanding ratings, placing us among the most consistently high-performing schools in England.

For families, especially those new to the UK system, it’s important to understand what Ofsted represents. Its inspections are detailed, independent evaluations of teaching quality, student progress, leadership, personal development, and overall effectiveness. Achieving one Outstanding rating is already a challenge. To achieve two in a row under rigorous inspections demonstrates the depth of quality and stability at Ashbourne. It provides further evidence of the high standards, ambition, and consistency embedded in our culture. Ashbourne delivers not only excellent academic outcomes but also the kind of sustained quality that gives parents real confidence their child will thrive at one of the very best schools in the country.

The College’s most recent inspection was conducted by Ofsted on 25 to 27 November 2024 and the results of each category is as follows:

This inspection was carried out under section 109(1) and (2) of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the College’s suitability for continued registration as an independent school.

Ofsted described Ashbourne as a “happy, calm and purposeful” place to learn, where students from many countries and cultures come together to form a welcoming and inclusive community. This diversity enriches college life, giving students the opportunity to build lasting friendships, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of the world. Inspectors noted the exceptionally strong relationships between students and staff, underpinned by high-quality pastoral care that supports both academic achievement and personal growth.

• • The school communicates with parents and carers regularly. This includes through half-termly webinars to make it accessible for the many parents who live abroad.
  • The school has effective systems for identifying and assessing the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
  • The school also caters well for pupils who speak English as an additional language.

We believe every student should have the opportunity to aim as high as possible, a philosophy Ofsted praised in both 2021 and 2024. With an extensive choice of subjects, all taught by passionate specialists, we tailor timetables so that no student has to compromise on their goals. Whether it’s joining the Model United Nations, setting up a lunchtime club, or leading a student project, pupils are encouraged to take on responsibility and develop the independence and confidence they’ll need for life beyond college.

• • Teachers encourage pupils to do their utmost to improve their understanding of subject content.
  • Pupils also value opportunities to record their self-reflections on their learning in each subject, and subsequently set targets and plan for improvement.
  • These approaches, combined with high quality teaching, ensure that pupils progress very well through the curriculum. As a result, pupil’s achievements are consistently high.

Ofsted highlighted our “broad, rich and highly ambitious” curriculum, designed to stretch and inspire every learner. Teachers challenge students with engaging, thought-provoking work and use proven strategies to help them retain knowledge over the long term. Students with additional needs, including those for whom English is an additional language, receive targeted support, from bespoke university preparation courses to one-to-one guidance. This ensures that every learner, regardless of background, is given the tools to succeed.

• • The school keeps every subject under regular review to make sure that it meets the needs of different cohorts.

Inspectors commended the consistently high academic outcomes at Ashbourne, with results well above national averages across all subjects. Graduates progress to a wide range of competitive courses at leading UK and international universities. Our careers guidance was described as “exceptional”, with tailored advice, work experience opportunities, and personalised application support that gives students the best possible start in their chosen futures, whether in higher education, apprenticeships, or careers overseas.

• • Published national qualification results in all subjects are consistently above national averages.

Ofsted singled out our careers provision as “exceptional”, highlighting the personalised support each student receives to plan for their future. Our Careers Team works closely with students to explore interests, ambitions, and next steps, whether that’s a place at a top UK university, applying to prestigious overseas institutions, or pursuing apprenticeships and work-based training.

The college hosts an annual Careers Day where professionals from a wide range of industries share their experiences and advice. Students are guided through the process of securing work experience and volunteering placements, giving them valuable insight into the workplace.

• • The school also offers pupils support with finding work experiences and volunteering opportunities.
  • The school offers impartial advice about university courses as well as apprenticeships.
  • This attention to detail, combined with extra bespoke support as required for entry into specific universities and courses, enables pupils to have the very best chance of moving onto their desired placements.

Ofsted recognised that our students benefit from an exceptional range of enrichment opportunities. From cultural visits, workshops, and guest lectures to trips across the UK, Europe, and beyond, learning at Ashbourne extends far beyond the syllabus. The annual Revue showcases student creativity in art, music, and fashion design, while social events, volunteering projects, and student-led activities create a vibrant, well-rounded college experience.

• • Pupils have opportunities to participate in trips to places in the UK, Europe, and further afield and to engage in meaningful volunteering work.
  • Pupils are also involved in arranging social events such as go-karting and sushi making.

Our leadership was commended for its strong oversight, clear vision, and commitment to staff wellbeing. By investing in professional development and creating a supportive working environment, we ensure our teachers can focus on delivering the very best education. This, in turn, enables our students to flourish, a cycle of excellence that Ofsted has recognised in both of our Outstanding inspections.

• • The proprietor has a very high presence at school and provides strong oversight of all areas of its work.
  • The proprietor pays much attention to ensuring that the school’s premises are maintained to a high standard. This makes the school a pleasant place to work and study.

• • Pupils display exemplary behaviours and attitudes to their work and to others. The school, thus, has an extraordinarily happy, calm and purposeful environment.
  • Pupils come from a wide range of countries and cultures.
  • Pupils welcome the opportunities to make new friends and socialise with peers who have different experiences to them. This enriches their knowledge and understanding of people from across the globe.
  • There are very strong working and trusting relationships between pupils and staff.
  • Staff provide pupils with high-quality pastoral and academic support, enabling them to excel in their education.
  • The school strives to, and succeeds in, ensuring that pupils achieve high academic results.
  • Pupils can choose to study courses from a vast range of subjects, each taught by experts.
  • Any barriers to success are identified and removed. For instance, the school organises and adapts its timetables so that every pupil can study all the subjects of their choice.
  • Pupils leave the school extremely well prepared for the next stages of their education.
  • The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities. For example, pupils can join the model United Nations club. They debate, alongside other schools, as `representatives’ of different countries. Others take initiatives and set up activities at lunchtime, like the entrepreneur club.
  • These opportunities develop pupils’ independence, confidence and sense of citizenship.

The College meets the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Click here to contact our team if you would like to proceed with an application or learn more about what we offer.

1. How did Ofsted describe student behaviour at Ashbourne?
In its most recent report, Ofsted praised Ashbourne students for displaying exemplary behaviour and attitudes. Inspectors highlighted how pupils show respect for others, remain highly focused on their studies, and contribute positively to the college’s friendly and supportive atmosphere.

2. Why is two consecutive Ofsted Outstanding ratings significant?
Only around 14% of schools in England currently hold an Outstanding rating, and just 30% retain it after re-inspection. Our back-to-back Outstanding results show consistent excellence in teaching, leadership, and student outcomes.

3. How involved is Ashbourne’s principal in the daily life of the college?
Our principal plays an active role in the college, providing strong oversight of all areas of its work. This high level of presence ensures that academic standards, student welfare, and overall college life remain consistently excellent.

4. How does Ofsted describe student life at Ashbourne?
Inspectors praised Ashbourne as a “happy, calm and purposeful” community where students from many countries thrive. Strong relationships between staff and pupils, combined with excellent pastoral care, were key strengths.