Staff and students at King James Academy (KJAR) in Royston are celebrating after receiving a 'good' Ofsted rating in all key areas.

Inspectors praised the school for having "high aspirations for pupils' achievements and behaviour", with "supportive staff who work hard to make these ambitions a reality".

The report also stated that pupils "feel safe, achieve well, have respect for each other, and experience a well-designed, ambitious curriculum".

This is the first Ofsted inspection KJAR received since it became an all-through school for Years 5 to 13, and comes just months after school buildings were badly damaged by Storm Henk.

The storm caused flooding to the senior site teaching block, along with considerable damage to the roof and cladding.

Pupils had to learn in temporary classrooms while refurbishment took place, and were welcomed back to renovated classrooms earlier this month at the start of term.

Ofsted praised the school's response to the disaster, saying that "leaders and staff had managed this difficult period impressively".

The report states: "Pupils respect each other and have a strong understanding of people with different backgrounds and beliefs.

"They know the school’s rules and how to behave well. Relationships between pupils and with staff are typically positive.

"Pupils are considerate of each other's wellbeing. Relationships between pupils and staff are typically positive.

"Pupils approach their learning enthusiastically and aim high. This is supported through strong provision and the care staff take to help them with any problems they may have."

The report went on to highlight several other areas of strength, including the effectiveness of leadership and management, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour, welfare and outcomes for pupils.

READ MORE

Headteacher Lisa Plowman said: "We are incredibly proud to have achieved this recognition and a ‘Good’ rating in all areas from Ofsted.

"This outcome is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire school community; staff, students and parents.

"At King James Academy, every child can flourish.

"We are committed to continuing to provide exceptional education experiences for all our brilliant pupils in an inclusive, aspirational, enabling environment."