A school for children with special educational needs has been awarded education inspector Ofsted's highest honour.
Kingsley High School, Whittlesea Road, Harrow, was deemed 'Outstanding' by inspectors who granted the top grade after examining teaching staff and pupils during the summer term.
Inspectors found that the students at the school make "excellent progress” and that their “behaviour is outstanding” in a report published by the education authority.
Jeff Anderson, Kingsley’s Chair of Governors and a Harrow Labour councillor, said: “To be rated as an ‘Outstanding’ school by Ofsted is a testament not only to an exceptional head teacher in Pauline Atkins, to a fantastic senior management team and the passion and commitment of all staff - it is also a tribute to the students.
"I am immensely proud of each and every one at Kingsley, who give so much to all our learners, so they can achieve their full potential.”
The school were judged to be 'outstanding' on all four key criteria which include achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.
Lead inspector Melvyn Blackband notes in the report: "Teachers have a very good understanding of their pupils’ abilities and they have high expectations for their progress.
"The experienced headteacher leads an outstanding team of senior staff. Together they rigorously monitor and support teachers to improve teaching standards and the rate of pupils’ progress."
Staff and students were joined this week by Labour's Councillor Simon Brown, Harrow Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and schools to celebrate the news.
Mr Brown said: “It was a privilege to visit this outstanding school, and the head teacher, staff and pupils deserve every congratulation for their hallmark of excellence.
"Seeing at first hand their creativity, enthusiasm, care, attention and sheer determination, there is no doubt in my mind that that this school represents everything that is great about education in Harrow.”
Kingsley High School is soon to be expanded under the council's expansion programme, with works set to begin at the school shortly in order to create an extra 34 places for children with learning disabilities.
