It has many strengths and few weaknesses. It performs the great majority of its functions at least adequately, and most of them well. What is needed, then, is a sharpening and focusing of effort. Nevertheless, this is a well-run LEA working hard to make an impact in far from easy circumstances. Leadership in Lewisham is strong at both corporate and directorate level.
Consultation is effective, leading to changed outcomes.
This is an LEA that is able to acknowledge its mistakes and learn from them. In consequence, it has the confidence of its schools who believe both in its good intentions and in its capacity to deliver them. The inspection team share that belief.