Press release from Heathlands School:
“Heathlands School Celebrates double Outstanding Ofsted grading!聽
Pupils, staff, parents and governors from Heathlands School in St. Albans are celebrating after being graded 鈥極utstanding鈥� in its recent whole school Ofsted report and 鈥極utstanding鈥� in its recent residential inspection.
The inspectors recognised the school has continued to be an outstanding school and residential provision for Deaf children. Heathlands is now the largest Deaf school within the UK offering specialist education via a Total Communication approach with all pupils鈥� first language being sign language.
Catering for over 140 pupils from ages 3-16, Heathlands had an in-depth school inspection in February 2023.聽 The school inspection report commented that since the last inspection, leaders have continued to have ambition for all and keep to their school motto of 鈥榖ecoming the best they can be鈥�.
The school inspection report said,
鈥楢ll pupils thrive in Heathlands School鈥檚 inclusive, nurturing climate of high expectations鈥� Pupils make great strides in their use of language and vocabulary, as well as in reading and writing.鈥�
The Ofsted inspectors were particularly impressed by the schools鈥� strong safeguarding culture, its personalised programs of learning which are tailored to match individual needs and the exemplary behaviour and strong sense of pride in the school demonstrated by all.聽 The report also recognised the school for its strong English, mathematics and science teaching and its鈥� high-quality lessons.
Shortly following the school inspection, in March 2023 the residential provision then received an Ofsted inspection which also remained Outstanding. Inspectors said,
鈥楥hildren make unquestionable progress because of the individualised and high quality support they receive from the residential staff. The exceptional quality of the residential experience reflects the same high standards as their education鈥�. The report went on to say,
鈥楽afeguarding is a high priority at the school and residential provision. Comprehensive safeguarding training ensures that exceptional safeguarding practices are embedded throughout the school.鈥�
Co-Headteachers, Lesley Reeves Costi and Sarah Shields said:
鈥淲e are thrilled with both of Heathlands鈥� latest Ofsted reports and are really pleased that the comments of the inspectors recognise the commitment and dedication as well as the expertise of all the staff working hard to ensure best outcomes for every pupil at Heathlands.
We would like to thank all the pupils, parents, staff and governors for their continued support and dedication to the school.
As acknowledged in the reports, we have continued to develop an aspirational and ambitious culture at Heathlands and will continue to strive to achieve high standards and performance for all students鈥�.
The full Ofsted report can be read at
To find out more about Heathlands School visit “
