The headteacher of an 'outstanding' junior school has said she is "exceptionally proud" of children and staff for the achievement.
Janelle Johnson, Ardleigh Green Junior School headteacher, praised pupils after the academy converter achieved the top Ofsted rating in a report published last Tuesday (January 30).
The Hornchurch school, which teaches children aged seven to 11, was given the 'outstanding' grade after an inspection on December 13 and 14 2023.
Ms Johnson said: "I am exceptionally proud of all staff and pupils, not only for their efforts during this inspection but also for the ongoing performance of our school.
"The children were an absolute credit to themselves, the school and their families," she added.
RELATED NEWS: Ardleigh Green Junior School in Hornchurch gets top Ofsted rating
The Ofsted report commended the school for its "warm" environment and "exemplary" pupil behaviour.
It was also praised for adapting teaching for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Ardleigh Green Junior is part of the Empower Learning Trust, run by Simon London, former headteacher of Upminster's Hall Mead School.
Mr London also took the opportunity to praise the Hornchurch school's achievement.
“We are delighted that the enduring strength of Ardleigh Green Junior School has been recognised by Ofsted once more," he said.
Mr London added that he was "immensely proud" that the school was part of his trust.
Ms Johnson said that it was the fourth time since 1999 the school has been rated 'outstanding'.
It achieved 'outstanding' in all categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management.
Bullying was described as rare in the report and safeguarding arrangements were classed "effective".
The school converted to an academy in December 2022.
Ofsted had not previously inspected Ardleigh Green Junior School with its new academy status, the report said.
However, Ofsted previously judged the school to be 'outstanding' before it converted.
Ms Johnson added that working with parents was another significant factor in the school's success.
"We work closely with our parents who are committed to the best outcomes for their children and they always support and encourage the school," she said.
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