A Year in Review and What's Next at GLF Schools

As a new school year begins, we are proud to celebrate another year of progress, growth, and achievement across our family of schools. With a continued focus on delivering the very best education for every child, we have invested in our people, strengthened our provision, and built on our culture of collaboration and innovation.

Early Years

We invested over £270,000 in Early Years settings, opened three new nurseries, and are preparing to open two more in 2025/26.

The rollout of Wellcomm across all schools has already helped to close speech and language gaps,  ensuring our youngest learners get the best possible start.

Inclusion and Safeguarding

Supporting every child to thrive remains at the heart of our mission. Last year, we expanded access to educational psychologists, introduced new staff training in Makaton and positive behaviour support, and carried out comprehensive SEND and safeguarding reviews. From September this year, we welcome new Inclusion Leads and an Attendance & Behaviour Lead to further strengthen provision across our schools.

Curriculum and Teaching

To help all pupils succeed, we have embedded evidence-based approaches in maths and English. This includes a new maths fluency curriculum from Reception to Year 6, wider adoption of Ark’s Ready to Progress intervention, and trust-wide work to prepare students for the updated GCSE English exams. Reading initiatives such as the Faster Read programme and tutor-reading support are helping to foster a lifelong love of reading.

Ofsted Success

We are proud that all 35 GLF primary schools are now rated at least Good, with many achieving Outstanding. This year saw notable successes at schools including Chestnut Park, Floreat Wandsworth, Forge Wood, and Danetree, each securing Outstanding outcomes. In our secondary phase, seven schools are rated Good or Outstanding, with one awaiting reinspection.

Strong Outcomes Across Phases

Pupil outcomes continue to rise across the Trust, with performance now above national averages in most areas:

• Early Years: 76% achieved a Good Level of Development (vs 68% nationally).
• Phonics: Year 1 outcomes rose to 87%, with improvements across vulnerable groups.
• Multiplication Tables Check: Average score of 23/25 (vs 20.6 nationally).
• Key Stage 2: For the first time in four years, outcomes in Reading, Writing, and Maths were all above national levels.
• GCSEs: 72% of pupils achieved a standard pass in English & Maths, with 54% achieving a strong pass – the highest since 2022.
• Post-16: The vast majority of our Year 13 students progressed to their preferred destinations in education, training, or employment.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate these successes, we remain focused on key priorities for the year ahead:

• Reducing persistent absenteeism.
• Narrowing the disadvantaged gap, particularly in English and maths.
• Strengthening outcomes in writing (primary) and English Language (secondary).
• Expanding provision for pupils with SEND.
• Ensuring smooth, well-supported transitions between key stages and beyond.

GLF Schools enters 2025/26 with renewed energy, clear priorities, and a strong foundation for continued success. Together with our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and thriving communities, we are committed to enabling every pupil to flourish and achieve their full potential.