KINGSMEAD Community School in Wiveliscombe is celebrating the result of its recent Ofsted inspection which gave the school the top grade, stating it was “an outstanding school”.

Inspectors judged the school to be ‘outstanding’ overall, making Kingsmead the first school in Somerset to receive this accolade using the new and more rigorous inspection system that was introduced in September 2009.

The report states: “Students thrive in this inclusive, well-ordered and harmonious school that cares exceptionally well for vulnerable groups.

“It is highly successful in helping young people look beyond the rural community in which it is situated and understand contrasting environments in Britain, Europe and Africa.”

“The students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. The young people are taught to think independently and reflect on their learning…”

“The outstanding curriculum ensures that individual needs are met exceptionally well.”

Head teacher Geoff Tinker was delighted that the work of the school had been recognised by the Ofsted inspectors.

He said: “The ‘outstanding’ grade is a true reflection of the qualities that make Kingsmead so special and reflects the hard work of staff, students, governors, parents and friends of the school since our last inspection in 2006.

“The new inspection framework had significantly ‘raised the bar’ for all schools and made achieving ‘outstanding’ even more special.

“However, outstanding does not mean the school is ‘perfect’ and we will continue to work hard and improve upon the very high standards already being set.”