A HEADTEACHER said a controversial change to how a secondary school is run has been vindicated after it was rated ‘outstanding’ by inspectors for the first time.

King Alfred’s Community & Sports College – Wantage’s only comprehensive school – was praised after an Ofsted visit last month – raising its rating from good with outstanding features.

The school gained foundation status in 2007, meaning it is run by a governing body that employs staff and sets admissions criteria.

Some were concerned that the move would give the school too much independence from outside control.

Headteacher Simon Spiers said part of the school’s success was down to this ‘brave decision’.

He said: “It has allowed us some of the freedoms that we thought it would.

“If people still had any doubts about our ability to lead an outstanding school, here is the evidence.”

The 1,805-pupil school, based at three sites across the town, now joins six of the county’s 34 secondary schools rated outstanding.

Mr Spiers said: “We are absolutely delighted that the inspectors have graded us as outstanding across the board. It was after two intense days with seven inspectors involved.

“They interviewed students, watched lessons and interviewed many members of the senior staff and the governors.”

Mr Spiers added: “We know we are not perfect and we still want to be better.

“We are really pleased with the way we are working with our parents, our staff and our community.”

Ofsted said King Alfred’s had improved its exam results, attendance levels and leadership.

Inspector Bill Stoneham wrote: “Kind Alfred’s is an outstanding college.

“It provides all students with a rich and varied education that prepares them extremely well for the next stage of their careers.

“The provision made by the college for its students’ education and their personal, social and emotional development is difficult to fault and its success as a specialist sports college is especially impressive.”

Pupil James Smith, 13, said: “King Alfred’s has great teachers teaching great lessons.”

Johannes Nijssen, 11, said: “I was lucky to get into a school like this and I have loved it so far.”

Wantage mayor Jim Sibbald said the report reflected the dedication of the school staff and the hard work of pupils.

Cherwell in Oxford, Faringdon Community College, Wood Green in Witney, Bartholomew’s in Eynsham, and Langtree in Woodcote, are also rated outstanding.

King Alfred’s is considering applying for academy status, giving it further freedoms, and will make a final decision in April.

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