STAFF and pupils at a Banbury school have been celebrating a successful inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The report said Quaker-run Sibford School, near Banbury, encouraged all pupils to recognise their talents and to realise their full potential.

It said the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils was “outstanding” and the quality of teaching and pupils’ learning and achievement was “good”.

The ISI, which is the body approved by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for the purpose of inspecting independent schools, looked at nine different aspects of the school and awarded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ status in all.

Headteacher Michael Goodwin said: “Everyone is delighted with the outcome of this inspection.

“The published report affirms the high standards that we strive to achieve and I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff, children and their families for all their hard work, dedication and support.”

A total of nine inspectors spent a week at the school at the end of February, examining pupils’ work, observing lessons and conducting interviews with pupils and staff.

The report also praised the school for developing a “high moral sense” among pupils and said it had an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust. Links with parents and the community were described as ‘outstanding’ as was the breadth of the curriculum and the provision for pupils of a wide variety of abilities.

Sibford School will be opening its doors to the public this Saturday when it holds its annual open day from 9.30am.