A recent Ofsted report has rated a school in the Aylesbury Vale area as ‘exceptional’ in two categories.

Ickford School has described the outcome of its Ofsted report, which was published in July, as ‘extraordinary’.

As well as two exceptional grades, the school was rated as being of a ‘strong standard’ in the other main categories.

The exceptional categorisations were granted in relation to pupils at the school’s achievements and the attendance and behaviour of the youngsters at the institution.

Ickford School was the subject of an Ofsted report published in July

placeholder image — Ickford School was the subject of an Ofsted report published in July

The five categories in which the school received the second highest mark were: curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership, and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Ickford School’s board of trustees has described the results as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘wonderful’. The board has also celebrated the fact the school recently received SATS results where 100% of its students were reading at the expected standard.

"Pupils develop and remember highly detailed knowledge. They delight in being successful,” the report which can be viewed here states.

"Published outcomes show that attainment for all pupils is consistently above the national average in reading, writing and mathematics. Impressively, disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve equally well from their starting points.”

Headteacher, Dawn Basnett, and Deputy Headteacher, Emma Honey

Further praise was given in the report for the pupils’ behaviour. The report adds: “Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their conduct and act as role models for younger peers. Pupils actively participate in lessons. They know that if they misbehave, they impact on others’ learning too.”

Ofsted left brief next step guidance for the school stating that its leaders should “continue their clear and focused oversight to ensure that they sustain high standards in all areas of the school’s work”.

The school’s curriculum was described as broad, balanced, well-structured and ambitious. “Staff use scaffolded resources, visual supports and targeted intervention so all pupils access the curriculum while developing independence,” inspectors found.

"Staff build secure, caring relationships that help children feel confident and ready to learn,” inspectors said of the school’s approach to its youngest pupils.

"Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access learning successfully and make excellent progress across the curriculum,” Ofsted said in its assessment of the school’s inclusiveness.

The report also praised the schools approach to leadership, adding: “Leaders at Ickford School are determined to make it the very best it can be. There is a culture of high expectations and professionalism which all staff subscribe to.”

"Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. They value the quality of education their children receive, balanced with the caring and supportive ethos that leaders have created,” the report continues.

The personal development process taken by the school is described by Ofsted as “thoughtful and purposeful”. Ofsted writes: “Pupils demonstrate a strong and well-embedded understanding of all areas of personal development. They can speak eloquently about how important it is to discuss even the most challenging topics.”

The Board of Trustees of Ickford School revealed that the institution’s leaders received a letter from His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, congratulating the school, after Ofsted’s findings were published.