St Dunstan’s College in Catford has recently received recognition for its outstanding performance in the latest inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in April 2024. The college is pleased to announce that it has been acknowledged with two ‘significant strengths’ in the report, making it one of the first schools in the country to achieve such a commendation.
Headmaster Nick Hewlett expressed his excitement regarding the inspection findings, stating, “I am absolutely thrilled to share our new inspection report with our community. We are proud to be recognized for our broad, forward-thinking, renaissance education and our commitment to diversity, which is embedded in every aspect of St Dunstan’s College.”
The report highlighted the college’s ambitious and diverse curriculums, which provide students with a wide range of learning experiences. Leaders at St Dunstan’s have carefully designed a multi-faceted program that encompasses various curriculum subjects, broader learning opportunities, teaching skills for the future, and initiatives focused on students’ well-being and self-awareness. This comprehensive approach to education was lauded as a significant strength of the college.
In addition to the academic excellence, the inspection report also commended the school’s dedication to celebrating diversity within its community. St Dunstan’s ethos promotes inclusivity and fosters a strong sense of community where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. Through various initiatives such as curriculum integration, student-led diversity groups, and events like the annual St Dunstan’s festival, the college promotes respect and understanding among its students, both within the school and in the wider local community.
The positive inspection report comes at a time of celebration for St Dunstan’s College, as the institution recently achieved its best A-level and GCSE results in its 136-year history. With an impressive 88 percent of A-level grades falling within the A-B range, including 61 percent at A-A and 27 percent at A*, the college has set a new standard of academic achievement. Furthermore, 97 percent of the cohort will be progressing to their chosen destinations, with a perfect success rate for students holding offers from prestigious institutions such as Oxbridge, medical schools, music conservatoires, art foundations, and drama schools.
As St Dunstan’s College continues to excel academically and foster a diverse and inclusive community, it invites prospective students and parents to attend their upcoming open events scheduled from September to November. These events provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the college’s unique approach to education and witness firsthand the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that sets St Dunstan’s apart from other independent schools.
In conclusion, St Dunstan’s College’s recent recognition by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for its two ‘significant strengths’ is a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to providing a holistic and inclusive education for its students. With a focus on academic excellence, diversity celebration, and community engagement, St Dunstan’s College continues to set a high standard for independent schools in the UK.
