Ofsted: ‘Outstanding’
Sandringham, together with the Alban Federation (SCITT) based at Sandringham, have received various visits from Ofsted over the years.
The last full inspection of the school was in 2008 which gave a grade of Outstanding for the provision at that time. There have been many adjustments to the Ofsted framework for inspecting schools since then, and for a number of years Sandringham was exempt from the regular inspection routine because of the continued high performance of the school. The current Education Inspection Framework (EIF) introduced in 2019 has brought all schools (including those previously deemed as Outstanding) back into the regular programme of inspections. By July 2025 all schools will have been re-inspected and we look forward to our visit from Ofsted in the near future.
We monitor closely the standard of our provision and the quality of student outcomes with the aim of exceeding the Ofsted outstanding criteria in everything that we do.
Our most recent inspection was as lead school of the Alban Federation (Initial Teacher Training provider) in June 2021 which was graded Good under the new framework. Our last full inspection was in December 2008 which graded the school as Outstanding, Grade 1. We were delighted with the outcome which recognised the extremely high standards of learning and teaching across the school. The inspectors also commented on the outstanding relationships seen and the wonderful atmosphere for learning at Sandringham. The inspection team found Sandringham to be an ‘outstandingly effective school, in which students attain high standards and make excellent progress.’ They commented on the school’s ‘excellent working relationships between students and staff and teachers‘ strong subject knowledge, resulting in a very positive learning environment’. and went on to say that ‘nothing is left to chance in this school, which is reflected in the exceptional care, guidance and support of students.’ ‘Sixth formers are wonderful role models for younger students, through their responsibilities in the school, the day-to-day support that they give to younger students and their involvement in community activities.’ The inspection team also commented on the outstanding curriculum which Sandringham offers and on the ‘outstanding range of extracurricular activities.’ PDF versions of our Ofsted inspection reports are available below.