WITH words of praise ringing in their ears, staff and pupils at Kingstone High School now have their sights set on raising the bar to become an outstanding school.

Graded as ‘good’ in all categories, an Ofsted report has given a thumbs up to Kingstone’s “rapid” improvements. Steven Fisher, who was given the permanent headship six months ago, envisages it becoming one of the most forward thinking schools in the country.

In a letter to parents and carers, Mr Fisher said that the positive feedback from inspectors came as a result of hard work and commitment from a large number of people.

He congratulated the school on findings that students’ attitudes to learning were “overwhelmingly positive”. After changes in the last two years, Ofsted noted: “The result is an ethos which is fully focused on good achievement and effective teaching.” The report stated that pupils’ behaviour was good, and that they approached their learning with commitment and enthusiasm.

A team of three inspectors spent two days observing lessons, scrutinising books, talking to teachers and students, as well as looking at all of the school’s systems and procedures. Their overwhelming conclusion was that Kingstone High School was consistently graded as ‘Good’ in all categories.

Said Mr Fisher: “I am pleased for our students and parents that the faith you have placed in the school is being justified.

“Although pleased with the comments in the report and the rapid progress that the school has made, we are already looking to take the next steps in ensuring that Kingstone High School is soon seen as one of the most forward thinking schools in the country, one that is widely acknowledged to be outstanding.”