A PILOT scheme to adjust the standards and framework of future Ofsted reports has awarded a Lowestoft school its third outstanding grading in a row.The Ashley School was judged to be highly effective at its last full inspection in 2006 and again after the residential visit last November.
A PILOT scheme to adjust the standards and framework of future Ofsted reports has awarded a Lowestoft school its third outstanding grading in a row.
The Ashley School was judged to be highly effective at its last full inspection in 2006 and again after the residential visit last November.
Now the specialist school has achieved a hat-trick, after the government educations standards watchdog cherry-picked it for the exercise to look at new guidelines geared to move Ofsted criteria into the next generation.
The school, which gained Specialist College status in 2007, will help shape the fresh inspection reports, to become national in September.
Areas deemed to be outstanding in its report included promoting the school's relationship with parents and carers, and the curriculum, which meets pupils needs; also, where relevant, provision for part-nership with other organisations.
Other areas celebrated were pupils' behaviour, choice of healthy lifestyles and their contribution to the community.
An inspector visited eight lessons and held meetings with governors, staff, the co-ordinator for extended schools and the school council.
Lorraine Dupen became head in September, and the report noted the restructuring and continued pace of development being done by the school's leadership.
She said: 'The new criteria is very different. It's still that every child matters, but it's about the next generation - they've raised the bar.
'This new framework makes it even harder to achieve outstanding.
'It is brilliant that Ofsted recognises the very hard work and tremendous achievements of the pupils, other learners, partners and staff of the Ashley School.'
Dale Gowen, chairman of the school governors, said: 'I am delighted with the report and I would like to thank all the staff for their dedication and hard work.
'I am proud to be part of this organisation having such an impact on young people in the area.'
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