School gets top marks in Ofsted report (From Swindon Advertiser)

School gets top marks in Ofsted report

7:56pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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A HIGH-flying school in Chippenham has been given top marks.

Sheldon School is one of the best comprehensives in the country, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The watchdog's latest report classed the school as outstanding in every way.

Headteacher Gerard MacMahon is delighted at the achievement but a little worried the already well over-subscribed school will be inundated with requests from people outside the area.

Mr MacMahon said: "We are quite over-subscribed at the moment, with 70 on the waiting list, and this outstanding inspection report may increase demand."

"I hope we won't have to turn away more children.

"In the past when we've been oversubscribed there has been a fall in demand for places the following year as some parents are put off by the waiting list.

"We already get many queries from people moving into the area for good schools and I am often asked for advice on the best places to live to guarantee a place at Sheldon.

"I even had a call from a couple in London asking about our admissions criteria.

"When I asked how old their children were, I was told they weren't born yet.

"They were looking at the country's best secondary schools before they planned their family."

Sheldon was already the only comprehensive school in the country to be classed as outstanding on three separate occasions.

Mr MacMahon said: "It is rare for a school to be judged outstanding by Ofsted.

"But to be judged outstanding in all 38 categories is an exceptional achievement.

"Sheldon is the first Wiltshire school to achieve a perfect report and, in fact, Sheldon's Ofsted record is now better than any other comprehensive in England."

"But we must keep our feet on the ground, we know that there are many ways in which we can improve."

The Ofsted report, which is published on Monday, praises the school's leadership and management.

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