Somervale School says it is delighted at its latest ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with the inspector noting that: “It is difficult to imagine a friendlier and more harmonious community.”

The last few weeks of term is not the time a new Head wants to hear that Ofsted are on the phone. However, that is exactly what happened for new Headteacher, Joanna Postlethwaite, when twelve weeks into the role, she received ‘the call’.

She says: “My first thought on hearing that Ofsted were on the phone was always going to be one of dread – but this was replaced with confidence that actually this is the perfect time for Ofsted to visit our school. We are in a fantastic position at the moment, with amazing exam results from last summer, the second school in B&NES for student progress, and record numbers have applied for Year 7 in September.

“I am immensely proud to be Headteacher of Somervale School and feel that anyone who spends time in the school will easily be able to see how great our students and staff are.”

The school was judged to be a ‘Good’ school when it was last visited in January 2013 and has continued to develop over the last four years.

During the one day inspection, the inspectors observed lessons, spoke to students and governors and gathered parental feedback. This, combined with the data they had on past exam results and the progress of students currently in the school, resulted in the judgement that Somervale School continues to be a ‘Good’ school. The inspectors commented that the students were a delight to talk to and that the school can be proud of the way in which they conducted themselves.

It was noted that students, parents and staff all make very positive comments about the culture of care, support and high levels of concern for all students’ well-being and all-round development, as well as their academic achievement. Students behaved well in lessons and around the school, they were extremely polite and respectful of adults and each other.

The inspectors recognised that current students in all year groups are making strong progress and are keen to do well. They also identified that the students commented on the friendliness of staff and how confident they are in being able to report and discuss concerns with teachers and other adults.

Headteacher, Jo Postlethwaite, added: “We are absolutely delighted with the judgement, as we see that it is a recognition of how hard the students and staff work.”