INSPECTORS have declared Ringwood School as "outstanding."

The OFSTED inspection team gave the highest mark possible to the 1,592-pupil school after it consistently got top marks across the board.

Leadership, teaching and learning were all described as outstanding with standards of pupil achievement consistently well above average.

In particular, the proportion of students achieving higher GCSE grades in both English and maths, as well as modern foreign languages, was "significantly" above the national average.

Inspectors praised the school mission of ‘Learn all you can – Achieve as much as you can – Help others whenever you can’ for creating a positive learning environment.

Most students enter the school, a specialist language college, with above average literacy and numeracy skills.

Inspectors found that they made "excellent progress" both in their studies and in their personal development because of the school’s high expectations and careful monitoring.

The school’s growing sixth form was also described as outstanding with consistently high standards, outstanding achievement and outstanding teaching.

Ofsted inspectors praised the leadership of the headteacher Chris Edwards and the teamwork of her teaching, support, and administrative staff, as well as governors.

She said: "I would like to take this opportunity to praise my colleagues for the dedication and commitment they show on a daily basis, enabling our students to receive the highest quality of education.

"The range of enrichment activities provided by staff both within and outside of school time is exceptional.

"I would also like to thank parents for their ongoing support. The reason students achieve outstanding results is due to the special partnership established between the family and the school."

She added that the school would not stand still but would strive to improve further.

STRENGTHS

  • Outstanding teaching
  • Outstanding learning
  • Outstanding leadership and management
  • Excellent extra curricular activities
  • Standards consistently well above average
  • Students make excellent progress
  • High levels of care and support
  • Outstanding pupil personal development
  • Excellent pupil behaviour

Improvements needed Extend and build on current initiative to develop a wider range of vocational courses in the main school and in the sixth form.