SPECIAL schools in Oxfordshire have maintained the highest possible Ofsted rating following separate inspections.

Both The Iffley Academy in Oxford and Fitzwaryn School in Wantage have been re-awarded with their previous ratings of 'outstanding,' according to new reports.

Ofsted's letter addressed to Tom Procter-Legg, headteacher at The Iffley Academy, said: "You lead the school with a clear determination to ensure that all pupils engage in learning and make strong progress from their starting points.

"The routines and values you have established are respected by all, resulting in exemplary behaviour throughout."

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The inspector said pupils are achieving very strongly 'across all facets' of learning, adding: "The curriculum is inspiring and imaginative, and teaching is typically highly effective.

"There is a strong focus on restorative practices that permeates through school, creating a calm, reflective and understanding atmosphere.

"Successes of all kinds are celebrated."

Ofsted, which released the letter at the end of February, described governors as 'strong, passionate and committed.'

The Iffley Academy teaches 148 pupils aged 5-18, who have complex special educational needs and disabilities.

Fitzwaryn teaches 97 pupils aged 3-19, who have autism spectrum disorders and learning difficulties.

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Separate feedback addressed to Stephanie Coneboy, headteacher of Fitzwaryn, said: "You lead the school with determination and commitment.

"The culture you have embedded in the school ensures that staff provide high levels of care and support.

"Pupils are happy and enjoy school...Parents are extremely positive about the school and say they feel fortunate that their children attend Fitzwaryn School.

"When asked what could be even better, one pupil said, ‘It is amazing already.’"

The letter was published last week following inspection in March.

The Iffley Academy is run by The Gallery Trust while Fitzwaryn is run by the Propeller Academy Trust.

They were both previously inspected in 2014, when their standards were also judged to be 'outstanding.'