Ofsted Report 2026
We are delighted to share the results of our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place on 28 April 2026. 
This was a full inspection under Ofsted’s new reporting system. This framework has moved away from a single overall grade (such as "Good" or "Outstanding") to a more detailed Report Card format. This change is designed to provide a clearer, more comprehensive picture of school life.
We are proud to report that The Misbourne was judged to be at the 'Expected Standard' in ALL categories: a bar that is much higher than the previous 'good' grading.
Understanding the new 'Report Card' format
Under this new system, schools are graded across several key areas rather than being given a one-word summary. The new grading categories are:
- Exceptional: Practice of the highest standard nationally.
- Strong Standard: Leaders are working above the expected standard.
- Expected Standard: The school is fulfilling all its professional and legal requirements.
- Needs Attention
- Urgent Improvement
For a detailed explanation of how these new grades work, please watch this short video guide:
Highlights of our Report
We are very proud of this report. It demonstrates the outstanding commitment of our staff and the excellent attitude of our students. Most heartening were the findings around student experience. Inspectors identified that:
- Pupils are proud to attend The Misbourne. They feel well supported and cared for.
- Pupils enjoy learning. This is clear in the purposeful atmosphere in classrooms.
- Pupils are polite and caring. Those new to the school talk about the warm welcome they receive.
- Post-16 students show high levels of commitment to their learning. They work hard with staff to develop increasingly sophisticated study skills. This prepares them well for their studies.
- Pupils are keen to serve the school community and enjoy the leadership roles they hold.
- Pupils develop warm and positive relationships with staff. This creates a calm and positive environment where pupils feel safe and happy.
Other particular highlights of the inspectors' findings include:
Achievement:
- Pupils achieve particularly well in English and Mathematics. These results are consistently above national averages.
Attendance and behaviour:
- Staff have high expectations of behaviour. This helps pupils to behave well, creating a calm and positive atmosphere throughout the school.
- Pupils have warm relationships with staff.
Curriculum and teaching:
- The curriculum is ambitious and matched carefully to pupils' needs.
- Leaders have identified clearly the skills and knowledge they want pupils to learn. Pupils build on these over time. This helps them to work towards ambitious qualifications.
Inclusion:
- The school has well-established strategies to identify pupils' needs.
Leadership and governance:
- Leaders are tireless in their work to improve the school.
- Staff are very proud of their work and feel well supported.
- The dedicated staff share the same high ambition as leaders in their work to support pupils.
- Staff and trustees work collaboratively in the best interests of pupils.
Personal development and wellbeing:
- The school... [has] an ambitious range of enrichment activities to deepen learning.
- The school's offer prepares pupils well for the future. They develop the knowledge, skills, character and integrity they need for life beyond school.
- Careers provision is a strength of the school.
Post-16 provision:
- Leaders have created a culture of high ambition for students in the sixth form.
- Students enjoy high-quality opportunities to develop effective study habits.
View the full report
This report is a testament to the positive relationships between our staff, students, and the wider community. We invite you to read the document in full: Misbourne Ofsted Report April 2026