STUDENTS and staff are celebrating a glowing report from education watchdog Ofsted.
Katharine Lady Berkeley's, near Wotton, received a good rating in its short inspection, after three inspectors reviewed the school on May 16 and 17.
Ofsted has stated that if it had been a full inspection, the secondary would have received an 'outstanding' rating.
Previously, the secondary school was rated as good in a full inspection six years ago in May 2017.
Inspectors have described KLB as “ambitious”, “well-led” and “happy”.
According to the report, "pupils are proud to attend" the school, which has a "strong sense of community" and "pupils are tolerant and considerate towards each other."
Inspectors also stated that the curriculum is "broad and challenging," with four different languages being offered at GCSE and A level.
In addition, the report praises the school's sixth form, calling its curriculum "exceptional" and describing students as having access to an "impressive range of courses and opportunities."
Inspectors also state that students with SEND are "well supported" through the curriculum, and that partnerships with nearby primary schools for new students are in place.
Headteacher Hannah Khan said: “We are delighted that the inspection team saw our values shine through and described the school of which we are so proud.
“This is a special community and to see the commitments and the achievements of our students and staff recognised in this way is truly rewarding.
“Inspections can raise the level of anxiety in any school, especially coming at the end of a long year.
“But I would like to thank the Ofsted team for their thoughtful and measured comments and for coming to what we feel are fair and accurate judgments.
“This is not a time to sit back and feel that we have made it - we have exciting strategic work ahead of us next year to make our long term vision for KLB a reality - but it is a tremendous way to end the year.
“I would like to thank our staff and parents for their support, and our students for being such wonderful ambassadors for KLB.
“I am proud of all who contribute to the KLB community in such a positive way.”
According to the report, no areas were identified as requiring significant improvement.
The school teaches 1,522 students including 276 from its Sixth Form.
The report reads: “Pupils receive a high quality of education. This extends beyond the academic curriculum.
“The curriculum that pupils follow is well designed. It is precise in its detail. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge they want pupils to learn.
“The aim is for pupils to become experts in each area of study, for example to think like scientists or linguists.
“Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful.
“Younger pupils want to progress into the sixth form because they know they will achieve well.”
When Ofsted have judged a school to be good they then re-evaluate the school roughly once every four years to confirm that the school remains good.
These inspections are carried out under section 8 of the Education Act 2005
For the full report see - https://tinyurl.com/2s3e66bn
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