‘It has transformed my child’s life’ – Deaf school gets top marks from Ofsted

Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children in Coal Drops Yard near King’s Cross station was rated ‘outstanding’ by the education watchdog after an inspection in May.

It comes after three previous inspections – in 2009, 2012 and 2017 – also awarded the specialist school Ofsted’s highest grade.

Dani Sive, headteacher since 2016, said he was “very pleased and proud” with the latest outcome.

Inspectors praised staff during their visit in May, calling them “inspirational”.

They added that pupils “feel their life chances are greatly improved because of their time” at the school.

The report highlighted parents’ views, stating that a typical comment was – “this school has transformed my child’s life”.

Inspectors found no areas in which the school needed to do better, describing it as “a beacon of bilingualism and deaf pride, where English and BSL (British Sign Language) are taught in parallel”.

Beyond praise for the way pupils are taught, the latest report also found that there are “excellent opportunities for personal development”.

Pupils are able to take part in weekly sports sessions, including swimming and kayaking, and have worked with local artists to “share their deaf identity”.

Safeguarding arrangements were also described as “effective”.

Mr Sive said: “The staff, pupils, parents and governors have given so much support to the school, so it is no surprise that our commitment and dedication to bilingual practice in deaf education is the reason that our pupils achieve so well, academically, linguistically, socially and emotionally.”

Chair of governors Robert Adam added: “I am delighted that Ofsted has, once again, recognised Frank Barnes as an outstanding school with an exceptional leadership team that provides the very best education for deaf children.

“This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts and dedication of our entire school community.”

Cllr Marcus Boyland, Camden Council’s cabinet member for best start for children and families, said: “Huge congratulations to Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children on once again being recognised as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

“We’re so fortunate to have such high quality provision for Deaf children in our borough.”