Simon Balle School Rated Outstanding

Inspectors from Ofsted have rated Simon Balle All-Through School as "Outstanding" following a visit last month.

Key findings in the inspectors' report praised the school's management and teaching, as well as pupil conduct and progress.

The report summary states: "Leaders, managers and governors have been relentless in their quest to make this an outstanding school. They have managed change exceptionally well, and their efforts have now reaped rewards for pupils."

"Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. Relationships between teachers and pupils are very strong."

"The school promotes pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development extremely well. Pupils are well equipped to be model British citizens."

One comment in the Ofsted report from a parent stated, “This school has been the best school I could have hoped for my son. He has made fantastic progress and enjoys going to school. I can honestly say I would not want my children to attend any other school!"

Alison Saunders, headteacher at the school said: "The whole school community is delighted that the first class educational experience we provide here at Simon Balle All-Through School, has been recognised by Ofsted as outstanding. The change to All-Through has merely strengthened our resolve to ensure that this community gets the very best outcomes both academically and in terms of a holistic education. Ofsted recognised that we are indeed creating tomorrow’s citizens today".

Simon Balle became an all-through school in 2015 when the primary school was added to address a shortfall in primary school places in the town.