FSG leads the way in the 'Enrichment Framework'
On Monday, the DfE published the brand new 'Enrichment framework' highlighting the importance of enrichment and extra-curricular activity - and the impact it has on childrens lives - something we feel we have successfully been leading the way in for years! So we are delighted to have been used as a case study as part of this new national agenda.
All the evidence is clear, as is evidenced in the framework, that powerful enrichment provision and extra-curricular opportunities impact very significantly on....
- attainment
- attendance
- behaviour
- careers guidance
- curriculum
- personal development
- Well being
What we observe as a school also impacts on Mondays other big news story form government - on social media. A quality extra-curricular programme also keeps children off their phones; they are too busy having fun with real live friends - as cadets or on Duke of Edinburgh or as cast memebers of Come from Away etc!
This is what we've been saying, and doing, for years within our school ethos and curriculum - with a parallel focus on the hard currency of a strong academic portfolio of qualifications alongside the soft skills developed through co-curricular enrichment; genuine interests in the classroom and beyond it; aspiration and inspiration. Well qualified, well rounded and just well! A curriculum not ‘just’ for exams but for a life well lived.
Ofsted saw that in action here at FSG noting;
“The school has a clear vision to see every pupil succeed in life. They have developed their own FSGBacc which provides pupils with wider opportunities to learn a broad set of skills. Pupils feel spoilt for choice from the enormous range of clubs and trips on offer; pupils stand ‘10 feet tall’ in this school because they learn to believe in themselves; they seize every opportunity enabling them to develop into articulate and confident young women.”
...and findmyschool.uk observed
“Student testimonies and Ofsted findings converge on a common observation: girls feel empowered to take risks, supported when they stumble, and encouraged to pursue genuine interests rather than narrow examination advantage. The extracurricular landscape is extraordinarily rich, spanning academic competitions, performing arts, military training, and service-led initiatives. Rather than offering superficial variety, the school runs deep programmes in each area”
“Folkestone School for Girls offers academic rigour, first-class teaching, extensive facilities & breadth of opportunity and genuine community spirit. Ofsted's April 2024 inspection, noted that "pupils stand ten feet tall in this school because they learn to believe in themselves." This phrase captures something essential: high academic expectation paired with genuine pastoral attention”
You can read more about the enrichment framework here:
And what they say about FSG here:
(you'll find us under 'indicator 2'!)