FORDINGBRIDGE Junior School has been praised for its commitment to providing a “first-class education” for pupils.

The school has retained its good rating in its latest section 8 inspection by Ofsted.

Lead inspector Bruce Waeland said: “This school is fully committed to giving pupils a first-class education. Staff go out of their way to make sure that pupils have opportunities to thrive and succeed.”

The report also recognised the leadership of the school and the “great determination” of executive head teacher Kim Robertson as well as the roles played by staff and governors in making sure the school “goes from strength to strength”.

It also said “pupils learn well in all subjects”, adding: “Teachers make sure that pupils use their previous learning to help them know more, do more and, therefore, learn more.”.

“As a result, pupils achieve well in all subjects,” the report continued.

“Not all pupils can read well when they join the school. Staff make sure that pupils learn phonics well and become fluent readers. Teachers ensure that pupils read widely and with the right level of comprehension.”

The report also said pupils’ writing was of a “very high standard” and they had “excellent attitudes to learning” with leaders making sure “there is no cap on what pupils can achieve”.

It added: “Leaders want pupils to be prepared, not only for secondary school, but for adult life. Pupils enjoy a wide range of opportunities to develop as people.”

On what the school needs to do to improve, the report said senior leaders were further refining planning in geography, history and art and that they should "continue to build on these improvements and thus continue to strengthen the curriculum”.

A statement from the school said: “Both Fordingbridge Infant and Fordingbridge Junior Schools boast improving ‘Good’ Ofsted judgements, just one indicator of how the two schools offer quality and consistent primary education from Year R to Year 6.”

It continued: “The senior leadership team and governors are extremely pleased with the outcome and are thankful for all the support they are given by hard working members of staff , children and parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for all families in Fordingbridge.”