What Makes a Good School – Redefining Educational Success
In the age of league tables, standardised tests, and inspections, the question “What makes a good school?” for me, has never been more pertinent. Traditional metrics dominate the discourse, yet they often fail to capture the essence of what truly defines educational success. Instead, we should ask: are these measures nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for the complexities of the 21st century? As we delve deeper, it becomes clear that as many already know, the hallmarks of a good school transcend narrow academic performance.
Challenging traditional metrics
For decades, Ofsted ratings and exam results have been the primary yardsticks for assessing schools in the UK. These measures, while offering consistency and accountability, provide a narrow lens through which to view success. The Sutton Trust’s report, What Makes Great Teaching, highlights that teaching quality—particularly pedagogical content knowledge and quality of instruction—has the strongest evidence of impact on student outcomes. Yet, these facets are often distilled into oversimplified grades that fail to reflect the broader picture.
International comparisons, such as the OECD’s PISA rankings, also come under scrutiny. While PISA assesses students’ abilities to apply knowledge to real-life challenges, critics argue that such rankings often reflect socioeconomic factors more than genuine educational quality. A 2024 report by FairTest posited that PISA outcomes are largely a measure of childhood poverty rates rather than academic achievement. Such findings challenge the validity of using these scores as definitive indicators of school effectiveness.
Broadening the definition of success
A good school surely must go beyond academic achievement. It should be a place where students feel safe, valued, and inspired. Inclusivity is paramount, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. The 2022 SEND review acknowledged systemic failures in supporting students with special educational needs, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
We should also all argue that personal development holds equal weight to academic outcomes. Spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development, as outlined in the Education Reform Act, fosters resilience, empathy, and global citizenship. Extracurricular activities, often undervalued in traditional metrics, play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals. The Huntington Research School’s 2024 study emphasised the importance of such activities, particularly for SEND students, as they provide vital opportunities to explore passions and build confidence.
The role of leadership and culture
Strong leadership is the backbone of any good school. Effective leaders set a vision that prioritises both academic excellence and wellbeing. As noted in the 2024 Ofsted review of professional development, the best schools cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, balancing accountability with support. However, leadership must extend beyond administrative oversight. It involves creating an ethos of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration among staff and students alike.
This culture of care is critical. A good school is one where kindness is embedded in its fabric—where students and staff feel a sense of belonging. As one headteacher succinctly put it, “A good school prioritises kindness, relationships, and collective efficacy.” Such environments not only enhance learning but also foster long-term personal growth.
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Preparing for the future
In a rapidly changing world, the skills required for success extend far beyond rote memorisation. Critical thinking, adaptability, communication skills and digital literacy are increasingly essential. Yet, these are often overlooked in favour of more traditional measures. The OECD’s Education for Human Flourishing project emphasises the need for systems to focus on competencies such as ethical decision-making and adaptive problem-solving. By incorporating these into the curriculum, schools can better prepare students for the challenges of the modern workforce.
So, it needs to be said that schools must embrace innovation. Whether through integrating technology into teaching or adopting flexible curricula, forward-thinking approaches are key. As highlighted in the Finnish Ministry of Education’s 2023 report, fostering creativity and resilience is essential for thriving in a world dominated by artificial intelligence and automation.
Rethinking accountability
Accountability frameworks, while necessary, must evolve. The current emphasis on high-stakes testing often narrows teaching and creates undue stress for both students and teachers. Instead, a shift towards holistic evaluations that consider wellbeing, personal development, and long-term outcomes is needed. Self-evaluation, coupled with external validation, offers a more nuanced approach to assessing school performance. As seen in countries like Singapore, such models can provide meaningful insights without the toxicity often associated with traditional inspections.
The way forward
To redefine educational success, we must collectively reimagine what we value in schools. Academic achievement remains important, but it should not overshadow other crucial elements such as wellbeing, creativity, and inclusivity. A good school is one where every child is nurtured, where staff are supported, and where the community is actively engaged.
As we move forward, let’s embrace a more holistic approach to education—one that honours the complexity of learning and recognises the unique potential of every student. Only then can we truly define what it means to be a good school.
Discuss your strategic priorities and digital challenges with Al Kingsley at the School Leaders Meetup, London on March 7, 2025.
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References
1. Ofsted. School Inspection Handbook. [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif
2. Sutton Trust. Coe et al., What Makes Great Teaching, 2014. [Online]. Available: https://www.suttontrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/What-Makes-Great-Teaching-REPORT.pdf
3. Education Endowment Foundation. Teaching and Learning Toolkit. [Online]. Available: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit
4. Huntington Research School. The Vital Role of Extracurricular Activities for SEND Pupils, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://researchschool.org.uk/huntington/news/secondary-case-study-the-vital-role-of-extracurricular-activities-for-send-cohorts
5. OECD. Stevenson, M., Education for Human Flourishing, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.oecd.org/pisa/aboutpisa/HPST_Finland_Reflections_on_Skills_for_Human_Flourishing_Discussion_Paper[1].pdf
6. Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. Reflections on Competences for Human Flourishing, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://search.oecd.org/pisa/aboutpisa/HPST_Finland_Reflections_on_Skills_for_Human_Flourishing_Discussion_Paper[1].pdf
(Further citations available upon request.)
