A school in Langley has been awarded a new Ofsted rating after 12 years.

St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School on Langley Road has been handed an 'outstanding' rating by the education watchdog following an inspection on November 7 and 8, 2023.

In the school report all criteria was met with an 'outstanding' effectiveness, including quality of education, leadership and sixth-form provision.

Inspectors noted pupils "respond enthusiastically to the school's drive for excellence and high expectations" and are "well motivated".

The school boasts very high academic outcomes for its students aged 11 to 18.

"This is a kind and inclusive community where everyone matters," the report reads.

"Pupils strongly demonstrate the school values of love, forgiveness and compassion.

"They seek to help others in and out of lessons and there is a warm and calm atmosphere across the school."

It was noted how the school has a strong pastoral support network and staff place a strong focus on mental health and well-being.

Pupils undergo a "broad and ambitious" curriculum and teachers help to develop a "strong and secure understanding" of learnt content.

"Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well taught and, consequently, make strong progress through the planned curriculum."

It was also noted that pupil behaviour is "exemplary".

"Poor behaviour is infrequent, and the school responds quickly and effectively to address any."

Sixth form students act as role models to younger pupils, many of whom stay on at the school for year 11 and 12.

Safeguarding measures were found to be effective.

St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School currently has 1,129 students on roll, of which 337 are in the sixth form.

A spokesperson from the school said: "During the inspection process, the Inspectors met with students, staff, the senior leadership team and representatives from the governors.

"All students, parents/carers and staff were invited to complete a questionnaire so that they could share their views with the Inspectors.

"In addition to this, Inspectors also conducted curriculum reviews, visited lessons, form times and assemblies, looked at students’ work and spoke with them about their experiences of school, as well as observing them during structured and unstructured times.   

"Ofsted themselves define outstanding as a ‘challenging and exacting judgement’, so we are sure that you will understand our delight in being judged as Outstanding across all areas.  

"Although we appreciate that an Ofsted report cannot provide you with a full understanding of a school community, we do hope that it provides you with a flavour of what makes our school such a special place to learn in and be a part of and how our school vision, values and virtues are lived out by all. "