Not only has Elmhurst been awarded ‘excellent’ in every category by the Independent School Inspectorate in the Spring of this year where it is examined alongside all independent schools in the UK but it has also just achieved ‘outstanding’ in every category following an Ofsted inspection this month where its sixth form provision is examined in the context of other specialist performing arts schools.
Ofsted found that ‘the school has a strong association with Birmingham Royal Ballet; senior leaders use this to excellent effect to raise the standard of teaching and to provide learners with the skills necessary for employment.’ This preparation for entering the ballet world was praised throughout the report ‘Senior leaders make outstanding use of feedback form industry experts to ensure that the dance curriculum meets employers’ needs’.
Elmhurst prides itself on going further than other ballet schools in developing a holistic approach to this specialist vocational training - something that Ofsted recognised, ‘Teachers focus exceptionally well on developing learners’ independence and their courage to take risks’. The school also takes very seriously its responsibility for educating our future citizens - ‘Staff provide outstanding guidance to learners to develop their understanding of social and ethical issues.’