TEACHERS and pupils at a Wantage special school are celebrating after it was rated “outstanding” in every way.

Inspectors from the education watchdog Ofsted said Fitzwaryn School gave pupils “exciting” lessons.

They added that parents were “overwhelmingly pleased” with the school, happy about their children’s progress and the quality of support.

Fitzwaryn has 83 children aged three to 19 from Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties, including 13 sixth-formers.

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Headteacher Stephanie Cone- boy, who has been in the post since January 2012, said she was “delighted”.

Mrs Coneboy said: “The outstanding judgement reflects the work of a very dedicated, hardworking and talented staff team.

“Everyone plays a key role within the school to ensure pupils receive the best possible education.”

She said the school was “extremely proud” of pupils who were recognised in the report for their “excellent behaviour and attitudes”.

Inspectors visited the Denchworth Road school on October 15 and October 16.

Major refurbishment in the last three years has seen Fitzwaryn equipped with a state-of-the-art Sensory Theatre and a new sixth-form centre.

Lead inspector Denise Morris wrote in her report: “Teaching is outstanding. Very well planned and often exciting tasks engage pupils in exciting learning.

“Teachers have very high expectations and help pupils deepen their knowledge through exciting tasks to make excellent progress in all areas of learning.”

Pupils’ special needs range from moderate learning difficulties to severe and profound multiple learning difficulties.

Inspectors said all pupils, including those with autism, sensory or physical difficulties, achieve “outstandingly well”.

It was the first time the school was inspected since it became an academy in February 2013.

It is now a member of the Propeller Academy Trust with Abingdon & Witney College and Kingfisher Special School in Abingdon.

That partnership has seen staff ensure Fitzwaryn pupils can graduate from school to college easily and work their way up a shared curriculum.

It also sees Fitzwaryn staff help ensure college students with special needs achieve their best.

Inspectors gave the school plaudits for its work supporting pupils with special educational needs in local mainstream schools.

They wrote: “Partnerships with the other academy school, the college and other local schools are very effective.

“Other schools welcome the assistance that this school provides as part of their learning support for pupils across the local area.”

Chairman of governors Pat Hudson said: “This judgment reflects the consistently high standard of commitment and sheer hard work given unselfishly by staff, governors and support groups.”

A copy of the full report can be found at fitzwaryn.oxon.sch.uk

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