Ofsted says Wootton Bassett School is outstanding (From Swindon Advertiser)

Ofsted says Wootton Bassett School is outstanding

8:50am Thursday 25th November 2010 in News By Scott D'Arcy

A SCHOOL has come out top of the class after a recent inspection awarded it full marks.

Wootton Bassett School was given outstanding in every category of the Ofsted inspectors’ checklist and is thought to be one of the only schools in the country to have achieve the result.

It marks a milestone for headteacher George Croxford, who joined the school in January this year and has seen it improve from good with outstanding features after its previous inspection in November 2007.

The report following the inspectors’ visit two weeks ago stated there was “evidence of exemplary practice everywhere” and praised the school’s work in the community.

One example of the school’s community involvement is its continued attendance at all the repatriation ceremonies in the town.

Praising his staff and students Mr Croxford said: “The inspectors all agreed that this was the best school they had ever visited.

“They said it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be in our school. Staff and students are incredibly proud.

“Only one other school in the country has done this since the framework was made so much harder in September 2009.

“This report shows how we all work together and is full of praise for everything we do.

“Students flourish because of outstanding teaching backed up by exemplary care, guidance and support.

“I think they saw the way staff and the students work together – the staff are focused very hard on student progress and the students give so much and take their responsibilities seriously.

“We knew we had a very short space of time in which to work and the staff were amazing – I have never known teachers who work so hard and I have been teaching 25 years.

“Here the school is a massive focus of the community and my role is bigger than I was used to – but it is amazing.”

Deputy head girl Hannah Soden, 18, said she was delighted by the result and praised the head for his contribution.

“I could not believe it,” she said. “We think the school is amazing but we know how hard it is to get that result.

“He has made the difference – he is always there and knows your names. You know you can talk to him.”

Daniel Beare, 18, a senior prefect, said the atmosphere of the school was warm and friendly.

“I just think the atmosphere is great - you are friends with everyone and the teachers are all really approachable.”

In 2008 Sheldon School, in Chippenham, also scored full marks in an inspection before the framework changed.