STUDENTS and staff at a Thornbury school are celebrating after being rated outstanding in a recent inspection by education regulator Ofsted.

New Siblands School was handed the rating in all categories after three inspectors visited in February.

The school supports pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties, alongside students with autistic spectrum disorder.

Inspectors say pupils “thrive in all areas of learning” where they learn and flourish from an “expertly-designed” curriculum.

The report also states the school transforms students' lives through its “carefully crafted, personalised curriculum” where staff blend therapy and class-based education. 

Inspectors say this helps pupils to “realise their potential”. 

One parent described the school as “like treasure at the end of a rainbow.. absolute gold”.

The school has two sites in Thornbury - a primary and a secondary site - teaching approximately 126 students aged between two and 19.

Headteacher Karl Hemmings said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this Ofsted result. 

“Our staff work really hard to provide an amazing level of education and care for all of our pupils.  

“We are really pleased Ofsted recognised this during their visit. 

“Inspectors spent two days in our school and we were so proud of everything they saw. 

“Our pupils were an absolute credit to our school during the inspection, as they are on each and every day.  

“I would really like to thank our wonderful staff, pupils, families, governors, trust team and other members of our school community for everything they have done contributing to this fantastic result.  

“It means so much to us all.”

New Siblands is a part of school trust Enable Trust. 

The school admits students from a wide area, including South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Monmouthshire. 

He added: “We are proud to be part of the educational community of Thornbury, South Gloucestershire and beyond.  

“As an Enable Trust school we look forward to continuing to have an outward focus, to support the education system locally and regionally.  

“It’s great to be part of a trust that has a commitment to all children.”

The report reads: “Through the exceptionally strong and trusting relationships with staff, pupils relish learning across a breadth of subjects. 

“Consequently, pupils learn how to communicate their feelings, ideas and views very well. 

“Children in the early years respond enthusiastically to stories. 

“Students in the sixth form express their views about the world around them with knowledge and maturity.”

It continues: “Parents, who responded to the online questionnaire, are effusive in their praise of the school and the exceptional support it provides to their children and their families.

“Students are skilfully supported to draw on their prior knowledge to learn more and remember more. 

“They are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.”

You can read the full report here - tinyurl.com/47wmcvja