An 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted is the pinnacle of what an education provider can achieve. It's the top grade that can be attained of four, which include 'good', 'requires improvement' and 'inadequate'.
For an education provider to achieve 'outstanding', it must achieve the highest rating in most, if not all, areas inspected, and cannot have a rating of below 'good' in any area. There are four categories of inspection, which are 'quality of education', 'behaviour and attitudes', 'personal development' and 'leadership and management'.
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Providers which achieve this rating are not inspected by Ofsted again unless complaints are raised or certain conditions are met. There are a number of primary, secondary and special schools across the county with an 'outstanding' rating.
The most recent full inspection in the county which achieved an 'outstanding' rating took place in March 2020. That was weeks just before the pandemic struck, forcing the vast majority of students to learn remotely across the UK for a number of months.
Carlton Digby School, Mapperley
This Mapperley special school was rated 'outstanding' when inspected on March 3-4 2020. The school has a capacity of 90 pupils, with 87 on its roll and 10 of which are in sixth form, as of the latest report.
It states: "The vast majority of parents and carers are positive in their views of the school. One comment, typical of many, was: 'My child has progressed massively while in school, not just academically but in terms of their social skills and self-care.'"
Chetwynd Spencer Academy, Beeston
The primary academy in Beeston was inspected on October 1-2 2019, and every area was rated 'outstanding'. According to that report, there are 420 pupils on the school roll.
It states: "Leaders engage very well with staff and parents, and parents are extremely positive about the school's work. They have no hesitation in saying how staff 'go above and beyond' for their children.
Crescent Primary School, Mansfield
Crescent Primary was inspected on November 28-29 2018, and the 'culture' created by leaders and governors was praised. In that report at the time, 380 pupils were on the school roll.
It states: "Parents and carers provided equally positive feedback; a typical comment was, 'fantastic school, brilliantly led and great teachers'. Parents reported unanimously that their children are happy at school."
Outwood Academy Valley, Worksop
This secondary school in Worksop was rated 'outstanding' following an inspection on May 23-24 2017. Leaders were said to be 'relentless' in raising standards for all pupils at the school.
The most recent report states: "Parents' surveys and high attendance at ‘parent voice’ meetings indicate a much more positive relationship between parents and the school than previously. Parents’ testimonials are highly positive, and the school has been recognised for its outstanding work with parents by receiving a Leading Parent Partnership Award."
George Spencer Academy, Stapleford
This secondary school converted to an academy in September 2010, where it was previously known as George Spencer Foundation School and Technology College, and received an 'outstanding' rating in an inspection on May 6-7 2015. Every area was rated at the highest level, and results are well above the national average there.
The report from that inspection states: "Staff take their responsibility for students’ wellbeing and safety extremely seriously, and parents confirm that students feel safe, happy and well cared for. The overwhelming majority of parents agree that the academy is led and managed well."
North Wheatley CofE Primary School, Retford
This Church of England primary in Retford was last inspected on February 12-13 2015, and was praised for its strong leadership and support from governing body. It received the highest rating in every area inspected.
The report states: "The early years provision is exceptionally well led and as a result, links with parents are excellent, and provision is outstanding. Parents are right to be highly supportive of the school and would recommend it to others."
Norbridge Academy, Worksop
Norbridge Academy, a primary school in Worksop, converted into an academy in September 2011 from Norbridge Primary School. It was rated 'outstanding' following an inspection on November 25-26 2014, and the leadership at the school was highly praised.
The report from that inspection states: "Parents, staff and pupils agree that pupils are well-behaved. Punctuality is excellent and as one parent commented about her daughter: 'She does not want to miss one minute at school.'"
Outwood Academy Portland, Worksop
This secondary and sixth-form academy in Worksop received its 'outstanding' rating in March 2014, and remains at that following a monitoring visit in March 2019. The full report in March 2014 praised the quality of teaching at all levels, but following a rating of 'satisfactory' before its conversion into its academy using older guidelines, parents at the time were not convinced of the improvement.
It states: "Strategies to improve attendance have resulted in rapid improvement, although not all students and parents are yet persuaded of the value of the excellent education the academy provides. The academy reaches out to the local community to build a relationship with its parents some of whom are difficult to reach."
Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, West Bridgford
Rushcliffe Spencer Academy converted from Rushcliffe School in August 2012, and the secondary school and sixth-form was rated as 'outstanding' following an inspection in February 2014. Education for students there is described as 'excellent', both academically and in personal development.
The report from that inspection states: "Parents are very happy with the school’s work. They feel well-informed about their children’s progress and the school communicates very regularly with them about a range of issues, including through the website."
Woodthorpe Infant School, Woodthorpe
This school for 4-7-year-olds was inspected in January 2014, and was rated as 'outstanding' in every area monitored. Inspectors described it as a 'happy place to learn' where pupils flourish.
The report from that inspection states: "Parents are exceptionally supportive and recognise the quality of the school. 'The school creates a sense of wonder from which children are excited about learning' was a typical parental comment."
