ACCORDING to Ofsted, an Outstanding school is “highly effective in delivering outcomes that provide exceptionally well for all its pupils’ needs.
“This ensures that pupils are very well equipped for the next stage of their education, training or employment,” officials say.
Several Colchester schools enjoy the sparkle of Ofsted’s star rating.
Here are Colchester’s eight Outstanding Ofsted-rated schools, as of August 2024.
The Sixth Form College, North Hill
This institution’s latest inspection, published in May 2024, said that “leaders are very ambitious for students, including students with special educational needs and/ or disabilities and those with high needs.”
It detailed students’ confidence and abilities, noting students are “well prepared for their next stage in learning or work including being well prepared for higher education,” as well as teachers’ “high quality learning programmes”, thoroughness and care.
St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School, Priory Street
The most recent inspection of February 2024 noted that “excellence is standard” at this school.
Officials said: “Pupils leave the school at the end of Year 6 having achieved extremely well academically, while also being well rounded young people who are ready to face the world.”
The reported also added pupils “sing joyfully and with gusto” in the school choir.
Hamilton Primary School, Constantine Road
While the last full inspection was in December 2014, and its monitoring visit was a remote visit in November 2020, the school has maintained its outstanding grading since July 2008.
Officials noted pupils said they are “proud of their school and feel very safe in it, and that someone is always available to help them.”
The school also promotes all aspects of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development “outstandingly well”, officials said.
Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way
The latest inspection in January 2024 saw the school achieve Outstanding in all areas.
Ofsted officials said: “Pupils are part of a respectful, kind, and hard-working community.
“They have a deep sense of loyalty towards the school.”
Ofsted also noted the outcomes for pupils are “some of the highest in the country.”
The St Aubyn Centre Education Department, St Aubyn Centre
The school was described as “a sanctuary for pupils who are experiencing difficult times” at its last inspection in December 2023.
This Local Authority school, situated within the NHS St Aubyn Centre Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, is for young people whose difficulties have become so severe they are unable to manage everyday life appropriately and safely in the community.
Ofsted concluded pupils learn well in a “calm haven”, and that their mental health and well-being is a key priority for the well-trained staff.
The Gilberd School, Brinkley Lane
Ofsted’s last full inspection was in January 2019, where officials noted “the school’s key strength is its commitment to a well-rounded education.”
Relationships between staff and pupils are “very positive” and “morale is extremely high,” with pupils’ progress significantly above the national average in 2018.
Officials added that pupils are “exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education through a combination of academic success and effective careers guidance.”
St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Clairmont Road
The most recent inspection in January 2014 noted that the headteacher, senior leaders and governors are “relentless in their drive to ensure pupils’ outstanding achievement and the highest quality of teaching”.
Officials praised the school for its imaginative learning opportunities, outstanding and rapid progress, and for many Year 6 pupils’ high attainment at being at Level 6 in mathematics and writing, which is the level expected of pupils two or three years older.
Montgomery Infant School and Nursery, Baronswood Way
This infant school achieved Outstanding at its most recent inspection in June 2013, which it maintained from its previous inspection.
Officials highlighted staff’s “wide range of skills and experience”, “enthusiasm and passion”, and “exemplary” engagement with parents, carers, and the local community.
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