A CHESTER school where 'pupils are inspired to be the very best that they can be' is delighted to have been recognised by Ofsted for continuing to provide an 'Outstanding' education for its children.

Acresfield Academy in Upton was previously given the education watchdog's top rating in 2014 back when it was Acresfield Community Primary School.

Now, after its first inspection since converting to an academy in 2019, the Upton-by-Chester school has received another glowing report.

It is one of the final Outstanding ratings to be given to a school in England, following the recent announcement that one or two-word Ofsted judgments have been scrapped, to be replaced by a new ‘report card’.

Ofsted inspectors looked at quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. The school received an outstanding result across all areas and was therefore deemed Outstanding in overall effectiveness.

Headteacher Mike Dixon is delighted with the result and congratulated his staff, pupils and families on this achievement and for their commitment to ensuring that Acresfield continues to provide the best education possible.

Mr Dixon said: "The staff work relentlessly hard on a day-to-day basis in order to provide the best education and care they can for our children. It is fantastic to have this recognised by the inspectors. We are all very proud."

Acresfield academy is celebrating an Outstanding Ofsted report.

Acresfield academy is celebrating an Outstanding Ofsted report.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors said: “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. From an early age, pupils are taught to be independent and resilient.

“Pupils are polite and courteous. They demonstrate great respect towards one another and to the adults that they meet. In lessons, pupils listen exceptionally well to their teachers. This means that not a moment of learning time is lost.

"Pupils are taught that making a mistake is an important part of learning.

“Pupils develop a love of reading. They use their reading knowledge to make the most of what the curriculum has to offer. By the time that pupils leave Year 6 for secondary school, they are accomplished readers with a rich knowledge of books and authors.

“The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievement. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve very highly. Pupils leave remarkably well prepared for the next stage in their education.”

Highlighting specific activities, inspectors noted: "Pupils understand how to care for the environment. They take care of their school and its grounds. In addition, pupils organise local litter-picking events and they are keen to recycle."

They added: "In the nursery class, staff spark children’s interest and imagination by sharing familiar books during story time. They enjoy retelling these stories with their friends. For example, by building a bridge for the ‘billy goats’ outdoors."

And of pupils' community-mindedness: "The Acres Award encourages pupils to be active and give time to the local community. Pupils work towards their bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards with pride."

Steve Docking, CEO of North West Academies Trust which oversees the running of the school, said: “Our team at Acresfield strive for excellence and the comments made by the inspectors reflect the teachers’ commitment and dedication to teaching the very best lessons across all subjects.”