News Blog
The Lenham School Achieves Excellence in Pupil Development Award
We are delighted to announce that The Lenham School has been awarded the Excellence in Pupil Development Award (EPDA) by Optimus Education. This nationally recognised accreditation is a mark of excellence, acknowledging schools that place personal development at the heart of their vision and practice. It reflects the highest standards in fostering the wellbeing, growth, and aspirations of every student.
The award represents the culmination of a year-long whole-school project, during which staff, governors, students, and parents worked collaboratively to embed personal development into every aspect of school life. The verification process was rigorous and comprehensive, involving the evaluation of detailed evidence portfolios, stakeholder surveys, and learning walks across both sites.
Key Strengths Highlighted in the Verification Report
The final report commended The Lenham School for a number of significant strengths:
- Core values at the heart of provision – The school’s vision and values are highly visible, deeply embedded, and fully embraced by students, staff, and the wider community.
- Evidence-based improvement – Leaders make excellent use of data to track and evidence improvements, from attendance to wellbeing, ensuring sustained progress over time.
- Strong external partnerships – Collaborations such as the PSA Sports initiative and trust-wide enrichment opportunities have enhanced both staff professional development and the student experience.
- Community presence – Events such as the Sixth Form “Over-60s Afternoon Tea” and wider community engagement have strengthened the school’s role as a genuine hub of connection and pride.
- Celebration of excellence – From music and the arts to sport and performance, students now have multiple opportunities to excel, with district sporting trophies and new cultural opportunities raising aspirations further.
- Student voice and participation – Pupils are actively involved in shaping their school experience, with surveys and forums ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon.
Lasting Impact on School Development
The award process has had a transformational impact. Personal development is now as central as academic achievement within the school’s strategic direction—something also recognised in the school’s most recent Ofsted visit. The introduction of the house system has further strengthened belonging, leadership opportunities, and student engagement. Careers education has been enhanced across all year groups, while enrichment opportunities such as a vibrant clubs programme, curriculum trips, and even the school’s first ski trip have broadened horizons and raised ambitions.
The verification report concluded that:
“The personal development of each pupil is rapidly becoming a unique strength of The Lenham School, contributing to its growing reputation in the community and providing life-changing opportunities beyond the school gate.”
Looking Ahead
The award is valid for three years, and the report also identified exciting next steps, including the further development of the Rights Respecting Schools initiative, enhancing leadership opportunities for Sixth Formers, and expanding external partnerships to support vulnerable families.
Headteacher Robbie Fergusson reflected on the achievement:
“This award recognises the commitment of our whole school community to supporting our students not only as learners, but as young people ready to make a positive impact in the world. It is a proud moment for The Lenham School and marks just the beginning of an even more ambitious journey ahead.”
