Hasmonean High School for Boys has been graded good in all areas by Ofsted in its first inspection as a single-sex school.
Ofsted last visited its Hendon premises in 2012 when the boys’ and girls’ divisions formed a single school on two sites, which was then rated outstanding. The boys and girls’ sections went separate four years ago in order to comply with equality rules and the girls also achieved the grade of good earlier this year.
Ofsted’s new framework has made it harder for outstanding schools to retain the top rank.
Inspectors noted strong examination results at Hasmonean Boys fthat flowed from the ambitions of its leadership, along with a sense of community where older pupils supported younger ones.
Teachers helped pupils to deepen their understanding. “For example, in geography, they help pupils to improve their responses to an examination question on globalisation, by using vocabulary learned in previous topics,” Ofsted said.
“In art, teachers encourage pupils to reflect on what they have learned before about shading and drawing. Pupils then apply this knowledge to working with new types of materials.”
In most lessons, pupils showed a positive attitude to learning - although in a “small proportion” there were instances of disruptive behaviour, which leaders had made it a priority to address.
Accurate identification of special educational needs enabled teachers to adapt their teaching for relevant pupils who received “targeted support”.
While pupils achieved well in most subjects, sometimes teachers did not check to identify what students knew.
The personal, health and social education programme gave boys a “strong understanding of healthy relationships”. The school promoted “a high level of respect and tolerance” for those of other faiths, Ofsted said.
But inspectors found that some younger pupils felt they did not receive enough guidance on careers.
Headteacher Miriam Langdon said she was “very proud of the school and pleased that were able to appreciate the special nature of Hasmonean Boys’ School and its ability to balance our Kodesh [Jewish studies] and secular curriculum successfully.”
Andrew McClusky, chief executive of the Hasmonean Multi-Academy Trust was “very pleased with the outcome of the inspection which accurately reflects where the school's strengths and areas for development are”.
Yossi Halberstadt, chair of governors for the boys’ school and Gary Swabel, chair of the trust said that governors and trustees were “delighted Ofsted have recognised the school’s wonderful work”.
