Ofsted

Merged Henry Hinde School earns Ofsted praise for smooth transition and improving standards

Autumn 2026
 
Henry Hinde School has been praised by Ofsted for its “caring relationships”, strong leadership and rapid improvements – with inspectors recognising the school's determination to provide the best possible education for every pupil.
 
The school, based in Bilton and part of the Transforming Lives Educational Trust (TLET), was inspected in September under Ofsted's new, tougher framework. It achieved Expected Standard in four areas – a grading that Ofsted themselves have said “raises the bar” on what the schools inspectorate used to grade as being Good. 
 
Up until September the school had been a separate infant and junior school but moved together to one site at the start of this academic year. Inspectors described how leaders had managed the transition “extremely well”, with pupils and staff settling quickly into their new school environment.
 
Mandeep Mann, Head of School, said that, while there is work that still needs to be done, she was pleased with the outcome:
 
“The last year has been one of the most significant ones in our school’s history. The decision to bring our two communities together was one that had the very best interests of our brilliant children at its heart – and we are pleased that the inspectors saw all that was being done to enhance their time at our school.

“While a huge amount has been done to further strengthen learning, what is most important is that they found our caring ethos and sense of fun and enjoyment has not been lost in the move. Everything that makes our school so special remains.”

Inspectors highlighted the positive atmosphere across the newly merged school, noting that “pupils feel happy and safe at school” and benefit from “caring relationships with staff who know them well.”

The report also recognised the impact of leaders’ work, highlighting “demonstrable improvements in pupils' attendance and achievement” over the past 12 months.

Other strengths highlighted in the report include:

• “Leaders have created an engaging and well-resourced early years environment.”
• “Pupils are excited by the new opportunities the school merger brings.”
• “The best interests of all pupils, including those who are most vulnerable, sit at the centre of all decision-making.”
• “Pupils typically behave well in lessons and around the school…(they) treat each other with kindness and respect.”
• “Children make steady progress across all areas of learning.”
• “Staff feel valued and say that leaders support their workload and wellbeing effectively.”
• “Pupils appreciate the pastoral support they receive.” 

Three areas, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion and Achievement, were graded as Needs Attention.
 
Mrs Mann added: “While the grading is called Needs Attention, I want to stress that doesn’t mean we need to start work in these areas. A more accurate description would probably be that we need to keep our sharp focus on these specific points.
 
“As Ofsted recognised, we have already done a huge amount of work in these areas – we simply need to continue on the path that we are on to ensure that our high aspirations are fully embedded.”

Leadership and governance were singled out for particular praise, with inspectors highlighting the Trust's decisive action to strengthen the school following the merger. The report states that trustees and local governors share a “relentless drive to continue to improve the curriculum, teaching and pupils' achievement.”

Helen Stevenson, CEO of the Transforming Lives Educational Trust, said: “Bringing two schools together is no easy undertaking, and we are especially proud of the way our children have embraced the changes, the positive relationships they have built and the kindness and respect they show one another.

“This has been a real team effort, that just shows the strength of the Henry Hinde community. The team at the school have been fabulous, and the support that we have received from parents has been heartening. We have all pulled together and, while there is work to do, this Ofsted report is a clear sign of the journey that we are on. 

“That is what makes the future hugely exciting. We will continue to address areas that need focus and build on our strengths.”