A primary school was given top marks across the board in a recent inspection.
Christ Church Primary School in Hampstead was described by Ofsted inspectors who visited earlier this month as “exceptional in every way”.
Rating it ‘outstanding’ - the education watchdog's highest grade - the report found pupils behave “impeccably”, feel safe at school and benefit from a “highly ambitious” curriculum.
It adds that the Christchurch Hill school’s curriculum goes beyond national expectations, ensuring learning is “both broad and deep”.
Headteacher Katy Forsdyke said she was “delighted” by the outcome, but added that the school is not run as it is to win praise from Ofsted.
She said: “Every day we ask ourselves how we can make this school better for our children and our community, and that is why one of the comments we are most proud of in this report is that our pupils and parents and carers are ‘overwhelmingly positive’ about our school.
“We will continue to be ambitious, creative and focused. Children in our school do thousands of brilliant things every day, and it is their enthusiasm and love of learning which keeps us all motivated and keen to provide more and do things better.”
Inspectors commended the school for how pupils’ learning is “interwoven seamlessly” with extra-curricular activities, visits and events.
They added that pupils are respectful of others and listen carefully to their teachers, while still being encouraged to be independent and creative.
The report states: “The high-quality curriculum is at the heart of the school’s work.
“It exemplifies how attention to detail is used to ensure that every pupil, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), gets the very best education possible.”
Inspectors conclude that the school’s success ensures that pupils are “fully prepared for life in modern Britain”.
Chair of governors Oliver Chesser said: “We haven’t had external validation like this for almost 15 years.
“During this time, the school has been resolute in our focus to do the very best we possibly can for every one of our children.
“This takes time, effort and an unwavering dedication, and our staff, led by an exceptional senior leadership team in Katy Forsdyke and Lewis Hollings, should be applauded for all that they have achieved.”
He added: “We will continue to ensure our children are happy, have access to the very best opportunities and that we always move forward with integrity, pace and purpose.”
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