TWENTY-SEVEN of the county’s best schools have been relieved of upcoming inspections because of their high standards.

Ofsted, the school’s inspectorate, said the schools did not need the forthcoming routine visits because it is satisfied of their quality of lessons and teaching.

Great Tew Primary, King’s Meadow Primary in Bicester, Watlington Primary, Stanton Harcourt Primary, Combe Primary, St Nicholas’ Infants’ School in Wallingford and Appleton Primary, which are all judged to be outstanding, have been told they will not be inspected unless concerns are raised that standards have fallen.

Meanwhile, SS Philip and James’ Primary, St Ebbe’s Primary, St Barnabas’ C of E Primary and Wolvercote Primary in Oxford, Brize Norton Primary, Stadhampton Primary, John Hampden Primary in Thame, Manor School in Didcot, Sibford Gower Primary, Fringford Primary, Standlake Primary, Crowmarsh Gifford School, Stanford in the Vale Primary, Wooton-by-Woodstock Primary, Deddington C of E Primary, Horspath C and E Primary, and Ewelme Primary, all rated good, have been told they will not be inspected again before next year. Matthew Arnold School in Botley has been told it will not be inspected until next year, while the Cherwell School in Oxford and Faringdon Community College will not be revisited unless concerns are raised about attainment.