Abuja: The Regent Secondary School, Abuja, has been recognized as the first and only secondary school in Nigeria and West Africa to achieve an ‘outstanding’ rating in all nine categories by British Schools Overseas inspectors. This accolade places the institution among a select group of international schools worldwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the inspection was commissioned by the UK Department for Education and conducted by Penta International, led by Dr Mark Evans. The evaluation covered the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, as well as their welfare, health, and safety. Other areas assessed included the suitability of staff, the premises, accommodation, information provided to parents, and the handling of complaints. Leadership, management, and boarding provisions were also examined.
Evans emphasized the purpose of the inspection, which is to inform parents of pupils in British Schools Overseas about how their standards measure up against independent schools in England. He praised Regent Secondary School for its broad, innovative, and child-centred education approach, highlighting the school’s success in engaging students and achieving excellent academic outcomes. Notably, 98% of students secured A-C grades at the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, with nearly half achieving A* or A grades.
The school’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development was lauded, supported by core values of ‘Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness’. Evans noted students’ understanding of tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs and cultures. He described the boarding facilities as exemplary, and commended the students for their outstanding conduct and academic dedication.
The achievement is attributed to the collective efforts of the entire school community, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. Leadership and management were highlighted as key strengths, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Principal Philip Reynolds expressed pride in the recognition, calling it a defining milestone for the school, and attributed the success to the dedication of students, teachers, and the supportive community. The school’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement was emphasized as foundational to its achievements.
The report also noted that Regent Secondary School’s sister institution, Regent Primary School, achieved an Outstanding inspection rating in 2023, making it the first and only primary school in West Africa to receive such recognition. Additionally, Regent Secondary School was recognized at the 2024 Cambridge Awards for producing the highest number of awardees in Nigeria.