Validator report
04 November 2025
SWA-Queens' School-WD23 2TY-04/Nov/2025
Areas for further development
-To enable staff to engage in wellbeing initiatives and surveys, without having an impact on any other workload pressures.
-To establish clear processes to share outcomes of feedback and actions taken with all staff.
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-To establish clear processes to share outcomes of feedback and actions taken with all staff.
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Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
Queen's School demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency and mutual respect across the staff body. The range of evidence submitted highlights strategic coherence in wellbeing planning and a proactive approach to feedback loops. Staff are empowered to shape policy and provision, with clear systems in place to track and review wellbeing support. The school strives to promote fairness and transparency across its systems, ensuring that staff understand processes and feel listened to.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Staff wellbeing improved through calendar revisions, workload assessments, and supportive marking policies. Staff feel heard and valued, with SLT regularly reviewing practices based on feedback. Evidence from policies and QA shows sustained impact on morale, workload reduction, and retention. The approach to School Cloud parents evening has had a huge, positive impact on staff workload and parents, with over 95% engagement rates.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Peer-led CPD and wellbeing committee work has reduced stigma, improved dialogue around mental health and strengthened cross-faculty collaboration. Staff testimonials show increased trust, emotional safety and a stronger sense of belonging. Staff are more willing to raise concerns and support each other. Staff are offered regular opportunities to feedback and survey data analysis shows improvements in attitudes and increased engagement.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Investment in facilities and shared spaces, alongside responsive planning of social events, has improved staff morale and collaboration. Feedback and survey evidence show that visible actions taken from staff voice increased engagement, comfort and positivity within the daily work environment. Student voice also highlights students enjoying the lessons, with average attendance rates being well above the national average.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Staff feel consistently recognised through initiatives such as ‘shout-outs’, Queens’ postcards, and long service awards. Nomination success in national awards evidences strong morale. Wellbeing survey responses confirm a measurable increase in staff feeling appreciated and celebrated.
Comments on impact identified during validation
A blend of face-to-face and virtual parent meetings and structured email protocols improved clarity and reduced overrun. Feedback confirms improved work–life balance, particularly for middle leaders. Staff surveys link these changes to increased morale, better time use and wellbeing. Further tweaking the marking and assessment policies has enabled staff to prioritise other areas. An OFSTED rating of Outstanding in all areas has also verified that staff feel well supported in school.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The appointment of a Senior Mental Health Lead and increased MHFA training has created consistency and visibility in staff support. Initiatives have strengthened confidence and improved clarity in response procedures. Anonymous feedback shows trust in support systems has grown.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Wellbeing in appraisals and a robust CPD offer, including a personal development day, have improved staff ownership and engagement. Training logs and twilight registers show higher uptake. Staff report feeling more valued and empowered to progress within and beyond current roles. Connections with local schools mean that ECT's feel well supported with a large network of expertise to draw upon.
Comments on impact identified during validation
Increased staff consultation via meetings and working groups has developed confidence in leadership. Feedback tools show improved clarity, collaboration and shared accountability. Teachers now feel more empowered to take initiative and shape school priorities autonomously and meaningfully.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
04/Nov/2025
Product attribute ref
Gold