Regent Secondary School, Abuja, has been named the first and only secondary school in Nigeria and West Africa to be rated ‘outstanding’ across all nine categories by British Schools Overseas, BSO, inspectors.
The inspection, commissioned by the UK Department for Education, DfE, places Regent Secondary School, Abuja, among the elite group of international schools globally.
The inspection, conducted by Penta International led by Dr Mark Evans, found the school to provide the highest quality of education and care.
Evans told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Monday that the February inspection assessed education quality and pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Other areas evaluated include the welfare, health and safety of pupils; suitability of staff, supply staff and proprietors; and the premises and accommodation.
He added that the provision of information to parents, handling of complaints and grievances, leadership and management, and boarding provision were also examined.
He explained that the purpose of the inspection is to inform parents of pupils in British schools overseas on how their standards compare to those of independent schools in England.
“Inspectorates approved by DfE and monitored by Ofsted carry out inspections on British schools overseas and produce reports that are made available to parents and prospective parents.
“These reports inform parents and prospective parents about the quality of provision within the inspected school and its compatibility with independent schools in England,” he said.
Evans described the quality of education at Regent Secondary School as “broad, innovative and child-centred,” praising its effectiveness in engaging students and delivering excellent academic outcomes.
“Students consistently achieve significantly above global average, with 98 percent securing A-C grades at the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, IGCSE, a globally recognised qualification, nearly half of which are “A or A grades.”
He commended the school for its exceptional spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, underpinned by its core values of ‘Respect, Responsibility and Resourcefulness’.
He also highlighted how students developed an excellent understanding of tolerance, open-mindedness and respect for the beliefs, cultures and views of others.
Commending the school’s boarding facilities, Evans described them as ‘exemplary’, noting that “boarders feel safe, secure, comfortable and enjoy their accommodation.
“Students are a true credit to the school, consistently demonstrating outstanding conduct, empathy and academic dedication.
“This landmark achievement is the direct result of the collective efforts, commitment and cooperation of the entire school community; students, parents, teachers, support staff, leadership team and governing board.
“Together, their contributions have cultivated a thriving educational environment that nurtures globally-minded, academically accomplished, and socially responsible young individuals,” he added.
Highlighting the school’s leadership and management as key strengths, he praised its clear strategic vision and effective management practices.
“Leadership consistently fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring a thriving academic and personal environment for both students and staff.”
Principal of the school, Mr Philip Reynolds, while receiving the inspectors report, stated, “This recognition reflects the high standards we uphold at Regent Secondary School, Abuja.
“It is a proud moment for our school community and a testament to the dedication of our students and staff.”
Reynolds described the achievement as a defining milestone for the school, having been rated outstanding in all nine categories.
He said this accomplishment was based on the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence, teamwork and continuous improvement.
“The school’s outstanding achievements reflect not only its commitment to academic excellence, but also the strength of its inclusive and nurturing community.
“This success is built on the dedication of students who embrace learning, teachers who inspire and challenge, parents who provide unwavering support and a leadership team that continuously drives innovation and excellence in education,” he added.
NAN reports that the school now joins its sister institution, Regent Primary School, which achieved an Outstanding inspection rating in 2023, making it the first and only primary school in West Africa to receive this recognition.
Also, at the 2024 Cambridge Awards ceremony for top performance in Cambridge examinations in Nigeria, Regent Secondary School, Abuja, was recognised for producing the highest number of awardees. NAN
