A SCHOOL is celebrating becoming the first school in the Vale to achieve a "double excellent" mark in the new ESTYN inspection report format.

Stanwell School was rated excellent in its current performance and in its prospects for future improvement.

The report assesses three key areas which include how good outcomes are, how good provision is and how good leadership and management are.

The school also achieved an excellent mark in these three categories.

It follows its outstanding report in March 2010 in which it received a grade one standard in all aspects.

The report applauded the school’s “resolute focus on excellence” and “exceptional ethos”, and praised its “extensive and well-established partnerships with a range of schools and agencies.”

It also described the behaviour and engagement of the pupils as “exemplary” and highlighted that the performance of all groups of learners is well above that seen in similar schools.

The report also recognised that teaching is “an outstanding feature”, whereby “extremely effective classroom routines and learning habits…have enabled pupils of all abilities to become resilient and self-sufficient learners.” Furthermore, “teachers plan a variety of interesting activities that allow pupils to learn independently and collaborate highly successfully.” The report acknowledged that this has contributed to the progress made by students being significantly better than expected.

Cabinet member for Children’s Services Cllr Chris Elmore said: “Our clear ambition is that educational outcomes in the Vale are the best in Wales.

"I am delighted that Estyn has recognised the excellence of the education provided by Stanwell. This is a proud day for the school, both for the staff and for the pupils.

"The head teacher, Derek Jones, and his team not only lead this large school very effectively, but also work closely with other schools in the Vale and more widely across the Central South Consortium to support their development.”

Mr Jones commented: “The report is testament to the dedication of Stanwell staff to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for our pupils, both in lessons and in extra-curricular activities. It is also a reflection of the mature attitude to learning and the conduct of our pupils, which is exemplary and was praised by the inspectors.

"The report confirms that Stanwell’s position in the top schools in Wales for the challenging Level 2 performance measure, inclusive of English and maths, is the result of the commitment and creativity of pupils, staff and governors. We are particularly pleased that Estyn has recognised that the school ‘provides an outstanding learning environment’ that ‘contributes significantly to the unique ambience in the school’ and I congratulate everyone who has contributed to Stanwell’s success.”