A CUMBRIAN school has been left 'overwhelmed' after education watchdog Ofsted found it to be 'Outstanding' in all areas of education.
Following its recent Ofsted inspection in April, Keswick School has retained its previous ‘Outstanding’ grade and has again been rated ‘Outstanding’ in every category: The Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, Sixth Form Provision and Overall effectiveness.
The last time Keswick School had a full Ofsted inspection was in February 2014. Since then there have been significant changes to Ofsted’s inspection framework and it has become increasingly difficult for schools to retain ‘Outstanding’ grades.
This makes Keswick School’s achievement even more notable and reflects on the incredible students and dedicated team of staff and governors that make the school a unique and special place.
Keswick School’s Headteacher, Simon Jackson, said : “Following a rigorous inspection, we were overwhelmed by the complimentary feedback from the inspection team. To receive the highest grade in every category of the Ofsted inspection framework is an amazing achievement.
"What impressed us the most was how the inspection team got to know the school so quickly. This was through speaking to students and staff and reviewing the fantastic feedback from parents.
"They captured the friendly yet competitive spirit and the caring and supportive culture that are all hallmarks of our school. This complements our recent Ofsted boarding inspection where we were also graded as ‘outstanding’.
"I would like to extend my thanks to all our teaching and support staff, pupils, parents, governors and directors. We are excited about the future and intend to continue to develop our approach to help our students to become articulate, independent and successful young people. “
The report states that students ‘strive for excellence and that their conduct is exemplary’. This is achieved through fostering strong, positive relationships that are built on mutual trust and respect. It also describes the school as a ‘highly inspirational environment’ where pupils benefit from an ‘ambitious and high-quality curriculum’.
Staff ‘prepare pupils exceptionally well in how to tackle new learning’ and ‘pupils achieve exceptionally well’. The report specifically highlights the Sixth form and the contribution that Sixth Form students make to the lives of younger pupils through, for example, peer mentoring and subject coaching.
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