Every school strives for improvement, yet research suggests that many school improvement initiatives fail. Too often, schools rely on what they believe should work rather than focusing on evidence-based practices that do work.
Improvement is not simply about programmes, textbooks, or commercial solutions. Instead, when we look at what makes an outstanding school, certain key characteristics emerge.
1. Knowing What Outstanding Looks Like
If school leaders and teachers cannot define excellence, they are unlikely to achieve it. Many educators continue doing what they’ve always done, hoping for better results. Outstanding schools:
✔ Have a clear vision of success
✔ Define high standards for teaching and learning
✔ Continually assess and refine their practices
Without a shared understanding of what makes an outstanding school, progress remains stagnant.
2. Teachers Working in Teams
Collaboration is a key driver of success. In outstanding schools, teachers:
📌 Work in professional learning communities
📌 Share best practices and strategies
📌 Support each other in raising student achievement
A collegiate culture allows schools to tap into collective expertise, leading to more effective teaching and learning.
3. Responding to Student and School Data
Data-driven teaching is essential. Outstanding schools use student data to:
✔ Identify learning gaps and strengths
✔ Differentiate instruction to meet individual needs
✔ Adjust teaching strategies based on real evidence
Instead of guesswork or intuition, these schools make informed decisions that drive student success.
4. Focusing on Effective Teaching
The quality of teaching is one of the most significant factors in student achievement. In outstanding schools, teachers:
📌 Know their craft deeply
📌 Continuously refine their skills
📌 Adapt to student needs and changing educational landscapes
Responsive teaching ensures that students remain engaged, challenged, and supported.
5. Going Beyond Classroom Teaching
Outstanding schools attract and retain highly motivated teachers—those who go beyond just teaching. These educators:
✔ Take on extracurricular activities
✔ Identify student needs and develop solutions
✔ Show a commitment to student growth beyond the curriculum
This culture of initiative helps schools create well-rounded learning experiences for students.
The Journey to Outstanding Takes Time
There is no quick fix or silver bullet for creating an outstanding school. It requires:
📌 A strong leadership vision
📌 A culture of continuous improvement
📌 A commitment to collaboration and innovation
One useful resource for leadership teams is “The Leadership Triangle: From Compliance to Innovation” by Paul Kimmelman. This book explores how schools can navigate compliance requirements while fostering true innovation and improvement.
Ultimately, what makes an outstanding school is its ability to stay focused, work collectively, and commit to long-term excellence.
What steps is your school taking towards outstanding?
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I teach in Kuwait at a British school. I love the points you make here, especially number 1.
My school puts on a number of PD sessions about differentiation; however, we never get the chance to see what our school considers “Outstanding” differentitation active in a classroom. Instead we are told about what to do but not SHOWN what it should look like. Teachers need to be able to see what exactly outstanding looks like so that we can have a clear definition of where to go and HOW to implement changes.