STAFF and pupils at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Kidlington, are planning a celebration day after receiving a top-class Ofsted report.

Teachers are asking children what they want to do during the celebration, after the school was officially graded as outstanding' by Government inspectors.

In a letter to pupils, Ofsted inspector Sean O'Toole said: "Your test results are among the best in the country and much of this is due to the combination of your hard work and some outstanding teaching.

"Many of you said, and I agree, that you feel happy and safe, and that there are always interesting things to do.

"The adults do a wonderful job in caring for you and in helping you to be successful."

The school received grade one, which means outstanding, in every category covered by the inspection.

These included:

  • The overall effectiveness of the school
  • Achievement and standards
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Teaching and learning
  • The curriculum and other activities
  • Care, guidance and support
  • Leadership and management.

The school achieved its outstanding grade despite the report noting it had been through a turbulent time following the last inspection six years ago, "with staff changes and a decline in standards".

The report later said: "The headteacher has won the hearts and minds of staff, governors and parents and created a high performing team."

It stated: "The children are at the heart of this school.

"Led by an outstanding headteacher, the staff and governors share a common vision based on providing education of the highest quality rooted in the school's Christian traditions."

In 2005, headteacher Claire Robinson was named the Headteacher of the Year for the south of England in the National Teaching Awards.

Mrs Robinson said: "We're obviously delighted with the Oftsed outcome.

"It reflects the positive outcomes of the whole school community working effectively in partnership.

"What I was very pleased with was that it was very clear that the children were at the heart of everything we do.

"We will be having a day of celebration with the whole school next month.

"We're asking the children how they would like to celebrate, because they're a huge part of the success of the school."