Staff and students at Soham Village College are celebrating after they were rated outstanding in all categories in their recent visit by Ofsted.

The school was inspected on June 19/20 with the inspector's findings published on Monday (July 15). 

Inspectors praised students’ "exemplary behaviour" and said they achieve very highly and noted how all students are accepted and "no one is left out."

The inspection team said they were particularly impressed that "pupils enthusiastically take advantage" of the range of opportunities available to them.

The curriculum at the school was described as "highly ambitious for all pupils" with teachers displaying "excellent subject knowledge".

According to inspectors, the school places a "high priority" on reading, with library described as a "hive of activity" and pupils who struggle to read identified quickly. 

A special mention was given to the school's support of pupils with special educational needs. 

The report said: "Specialists provide teachers with detailed information about pupils’ specific barriers to learning.

Teachers use this information to ensure that learning experiences and activities are accessible to all pupils.

"Consequently, pupils with SEND make progress that is as impressive as that of their peers."

Other outstanding areas identified by Ofsted include the school's personal development programme and careers education. 

The report found that opportunities for students to develop their understanding of the modern world are "embedded into the entire curriculum." 

The school places great emphasis on careers education which, according to inspectors, is "woven" through the curriculum. 

It added: "Pupils get information about how the subjects they study can lead to different careers.

"As a result, pupils make well-informed choices about their next step."

Headteacher Jon Hampson said, “I am delighted that the commitment and hard work of the students and staff has been fully recognised by Ofsted.”