A Lambeth school excelling against the odds

A south London school that was once famous for all the wrong reasons has become the second school in the capital to be graded as outstanding in every area by OfSTED, since the new harder inspection process was introduced in September 2012.

Lambeth’s Lilian Baylis Technology School, part of the RSA’s family of schools, is the only secondary school in the borough to have been graded as outstanding for achievement, teaching, behaviour and leadership.

Once considered a sink school, Lilian Baylis has been transformed over the last 10 years and now joins the elite 5 percent of secondary schools nationally to be graded as outstanding in all areas.

The head teacher, Gary Phillips was commended by Ofsted for his relentless focus on improvement, underpinned by a belief that is shared by staff, students and governors at the school that all students, irrespective of their circumstances, are entitled to the best possible education.

 Headteacher Gary Phillips said: 

“This confirms what our parents have known for many years. Lilian Baylis is a great school that ensures, as the report states, that its students make exceptional progress from their starting point. Students come to Lilian Baylis and go onto the best universities to study Medicine, Law and Accountancy whilst others go onto great apprenticeships in Engineering or Business.”

Chair of Governors, Teresa Clay, stated:

“I am so proud of all that our students, parents and staff have achieved. They are Lambeth's hidden heroes. They have collectively transformed a once failing school into one of only two across all of London with a perfect OfSTED. Looking forward, we will challenge ourselves to build on this success. The Governors and Head are determined that results will continue to rise and that our fantastic new 6th form which is already one of the largest in Lambeth further expands.”

The Student Action Group, (the Lilian Baylis Student Council), said:

“We are so proud to be a part Lilian Baylis. Teachers work so hard to help us in lessons, after school and during Saturday and vacation school”.

The school is supported by the RSA, who promote innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. The RSA is currently working with five schools as an Academy sponsor or partner: Lilian Baylis, the RSA Academy in Tipton, Whitley Academy in Coventry, and Arrow Vale and Ipsley RSA Academies in Redditch.  

Chief Executive of the RSA, Matthew Taylor said:

“The RSA is proud to be working in partnership with Lilian Baylis. We are particularly pleased to support the innovative mentoring scheme in the 6th form providing mentors to ensure every student has a mentor from a career they wish to enter. Over the next few years we hope to develop our partnership with Lilian Baylis to do even more support the ambitions of all the students.”

Notes to editors

1.    For more information contact RSA Head of Media Luke Robinson on 020 7451 6893 or 07799 737 970 or email Luke Robinson.

2.    The RSA is currently working with five schools as an Academy sponsor or partner: Lilian Baylis, the RSA Academy in Tipton, Whitley Academy in Coventry, and Arrow Vale and Ipsley RSA Academies in Redditch.   The aim is to create a mutually supportive family of schools which use innovative practice to raise standards and secure the best outcomes for pupils across a broad range of measures.