The Kent academy that sounds so good in its 'outstanding' Ofsted it might make you miss the classroom

This secondary school in Kent which has just been ranked "outstanding" by Ofsted sounds like such a great place to learn, it makes you want to go back to school. Inspectors have graded every single area of the academy as outstanding and heaped praise on everyone from the headteacher and staff, to the pupils and governors.

Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone was inspected during two days in April and it has retained its outstanding grade given in 2012. The report is only three pages long, but it is full of words such as "exceptional" and "ambitious" along with "purposeful", "unrelenting" and even "love".

As its grade would suggest, the Ofsted reads like a 'how to guide' to run the perfect school for young people aged 11 to 18. And it's perhaps unsurprising that attendance is "high" at this girls' grammar and pupils are "proud" to be there.

The school in Huntsman Lane has 1,625 pupils of which 372 are in the sixth form, and it is part of Valley Invicta Academies Trust, which has seven other schools in Kent.

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Read more: Every Kent secondary school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and what inspectors had to say

Its executive headteacher is Van Beales and the head of school is Marelle Giles, and other people named by Ofsted are the trust's chief executive officer Richard Hayden, and the board of trustees chair Matthew Fletcher.

Ofsted said it was an "exceptional school where pupils flourish" and staff were "highly ambitious" for the students' learning. Students' behaviour is "exemplary" and they are polite, courteous and "focus diligently" during lessons, said the report.

And it is not just the academic curriculum pupils focus on, they take part in a vast range of clubs, activities and societies and these cover interests such as sport, art, politics, along with charitable and academic themes.

Ofsted also said this: "Pupils are rightly proud to attend this school. They feel safe, knowing that staff listen to them and support their pastoral needs. Pupils, along with students in the sixth form, are comprehensively prepared for their futures and life in modern Britain."

"They value the exciting ‘Power Days’, where they learn about different cultures, social issues and global issues or develop understanding about their next steps. The school works with many visitors, companies and organisations to ensure pupils are thoroughly informed about future study and career opportunities."

The level of education at all stages is "outstanding", with the curriculum "highly ambitious and meticulously crafted", said Ofsted. Teachers are described as "experts in their fields".

'Pupils love learning'

Reading is a big part of school life and a programme supports younger pupils' reading development. The library has a rich and diverse range of books and particular attention is paid to the support of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

Ofsted said: "The school provides a calm and purposeful environment. Pupils love learning. They show maturity in their conduct across the school site. Harmonious relationships exist between staff and pupils. Pupils are thankful for this, sharing their feelings on the school’s ‘gratitude tree’. Attendance is high. The school has put in place additional, effective support for the small number of pupils who find it more difficult to go to school regularly."

There are trips at the school which are described as "exciting" by Ofsted, and these include international ones. Inspectors also gave much praise to those who run the school.

The report said: "School leaders, governors and trustees are unrelenting in their vision to continually improve provision for pupils. Numerous professional development opportunities support this process."

"A collaborative approach to planning is well embedded. Staff routinely provide each other with feedback that helps them to reflect and improve. Staff enjoy working at this school. They are focused on providing the very best education and personal development for pupils."

Invicta Grammar School became an academy in 2012. You can read the full Ofsted here.

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