Orthodox girls’ school drops from ‘outstanding’ to ‘good’

Yesodey Hatorah Senior Girls’ School in Stamford Hill has been downgraded from ‘outstanding’ to ‘good’ following a surprise Ofsted inspection last month.

Although inspectors’ feedback was generally good, the school’s leadership was told to “develop” their vision, while students were listed as “making slower progress in English”.

The girls’ school (pictured) has had a tumultuous year, with the sudden death of popular headteacher Rachel Pinter in March.

Around the same time, national exams regulators at Ofqual made a finding of “malpractice” after teachers at the Egerton Road institution were found to have redacted questions on a science GCSE paper taken last October.

Teachers and governors were this week taking solace from several positive aspects in the Ofsted report.

Inspectors highlighted the “outstanding” behaviour and safety of pupils and paid tribute to the “consistently outstanding achievement” in mathematics.

In addition, the school’s Kodesh Studies Inspection received top marks, with inspectors noting that the childrens’ Hebrew reading standards were “excellent” and that their knowledge of halacha was “exceptional”.

In a letter to parents, new headteacher Rivky Weinberg said: “Overall, we have made considerable progress since our last inspection in 2006.

“We could not be more proud that our students made a tremendous Kiddush Hashem. Their refined behaviour and actions were consistently commended by the inspection team.”