St John’s Marlborough today announced that the school has been found to be 'Outstanding' in an Ofsted inspection last month. 

In the report, released today, St John’s is described as a school “in which all may thrive and achieve to the highest standards”.

All four areas of inspection; Achievement of pupils, Quality of teaching, Behaviour and safety of pupils, and Leadership and management were all found to be 'Outstanding'.

The Ofsted summary report states that at St John’s:

• Achievement is outstanding because students in all year groups make rapid and sustained progress; 

• Teaching is outstanding because teachers know their students, have high expectations and use their expert subject knowledge to motivate students to achieve their best; 

• Students’ behaviour is outstanding. They are exceptionally proud of their school and they are universally polite and courteous towards each other, staff and visitors. They are proud of their new buildings and look after them exceptionally well.

Head teacher Dr Hazlewood was praised by the inspection team and described as ‘visionary’, supported by a highly effective senior team, middle leaders and an outstanding governing body.

Throughout the two-day inspection the team of inspectors observed 49 lessons, attended morning registrations and an assembly.

The team also looked at students work and listened to a group of Year 7 students read, met with groups of students to discuss their views, held meetings with the governing body and staff, and took account of the responses to parent and staff questionnaires.

Dr Hazlewood, who is to retire in April next year, announced the outcome of the inspection to staff at a meeting today. 

He said: “We waited a long time for this inspection and the entire staff team was pleased to welcome the inspectors to St John’s and have the opportunity to demonstrate what a great school this is. 

"Ofsted chose a very busy two days for us including a parents' evening, events for primary school pupils, and the last day in school for our Year 11s, all of which helped to show us at our best.

"To be found 'Outstanding' in all areas is the very best outcome we could have wished for, and I am extremely proud of all staff and students at St John’s”.

The inspection team highlighted the new school building, planned and created by the team.

The report included comments from St John’s students and the report says: “Students are immensely proud of their school and clearly appreciate the care and attention which the staff give to them as individuals.

"In student interviews, when asked if they would recommend the school to others, Year 11 students commented 'It’s the best in Wiltshire'.

"When asked what they would like to be improved, students said 'Nothing – the school has everything worked out'."

The Sixth Form at St John’s was also highlighted as being outstanding, with excellent teaching, outstanding personal support and appropriate study programmes that enable students to achieve highly and prepare them well for higher education and employment.

Inspectors found difficulty in identifying anything that St John’s could do to improve.

The full report is available at www.ofsted.gov.uk