Smiles all round as Buckingham School is finally rated '˜good' by Ofsted

It is the first time this century the school has received such positive feedback from the education watchdog, having been told it must do better in its previous four inspections.

All areas of school life have now been judged as good by inspectors, who visited in early February.

Ofsted highlighted that students are making good progress and learning well.

Angela Wells, headteacher, said: “The ‘good’ outcome is a tremendous achievement the whole school community truly deserves. I would like to congratulate all of our students for the way they conducted themselves during the inspection.

“The inspectors experienced first-hand pupils’ good behaviour, the fact they are polite and welcoming and the pride they take in their school.

“This is something we are very proud of. I would like to also thank parents, for their continued support and contribution to the school and throughout the inspection process.”

The school is planning a celebration of the achievement to be held soon, as a way to say thanks to parents, staff, governors and other members of the community.

Miss Wells added: “We know our students enjoy their learning and this has been witnessed by the inspectors and their comments that ‘students concentrate in lessons and are willing to learn’.

“Our ethos of care and challenge pervading all aspects of school life has been demonstrated too, by the strong ‘student council which is effective and respectful’.”

The report states that the school is not yet judged ‘outstanding’ because of factors including a small minority of pupils who interrupt the flow of lessons, and a lack of consistency in teaching across all subjects.