Ofsted has a tradition of recognising and celebrating providers of outstanding care, education and skills. Each year, for example, along with our annual report, we publish a list of the providers found outstanding in the previous 12 months. A more recent tradition has been the celebratory lunches we give for outstanding providers. I have enjoyed these lunches as much as ever this year; it is always a pleasure to meet so many hard-working, dedicated professionals.

A report Ofsted published in February showcases 12 outstanding providers, secondary schools in challenging circumstances that have been judged ‘outstanding’ in at least two inspections. The schools featured come from across England and defy the association of disadvantage with low standards. They serve communities where students come from poor urban backgrounds and an above average proportion receives free school meals. They are straightforward maintained schools, included on merit without any evident advantages except the quality of their leadership, their staff, and the teaching and learning provided in them.