A SECONDARY school in Oxford has retained its ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.

The Cherwell in Marston Ferry Road received the top grading after inspectors from the national school standards watchdog visited in October.

Chris Price, the school’s headteacher, said: “We are very pleased with the report. We feel it is a fair and accurate reflection of the work that happens consistently in our school.

“I am delighted for the staff who work so expertly and care so deeply about the school. It is wonderful that their commitment to The Cherwell and to the students has been recognised in this way.

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“We are especially pleased that the report does draw out so many positive things about our students. They are a unique group of young people and we are very fortunate to work with them each day.

“The report does not highlight any significant areas for improvement but as a school we remain restless to keep developing further.”

River Learning Trust’s chief executive Paul James, a former headteacher at The Cherwell, said: “This is a fabulous outcome, particularly in the context of Ofsted’s more challenging framework.

“I know from personal experience what a special place The Cherwell School is and we are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the fantastic work and achievements of staff and students.”

According to the watchdog, only 17 per cent of 370 'outstanding' schools kept their grade when they had a full reinspection in 2021-22.

Ofsted said it had reviewed more than 500 institutions in the last school year that had previously been exempt from regular inspections, because they had been rated as 'outstanding', the highest grading available.

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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