A ‘FRIENDLY and welcoming’ Northwich high school has been rated outstanding after its recent Ofsted inspection.

The County High School, Leftwich, continues to be a outstanding, with inspectors noting how proud pupils are of their school.

Matthew Snelson, principal said: “I am delighted that the inspectors saw what I see day-in-day-out – focused, polite and hardworking students embracing the opportunities provided for them by dedicated, friendly and talented professionals.”

The report describes how pupils ‘benefit greatly from a broad, ambitious and exciting curriculum’ and take part in a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.

It reads: “Teachers use their expert subject knowledge to help pupils to revisit their prior learning and build their understanding over time.

“Pupils have many opportunities to understand and respect differences between people through the curriculum and visitors to the school 

“The curriculum is enhanced very well by a wide range of after-school clubs and activities, ranging from sports clubs to dance, eco-society and the LGBTQ club.”

Inspectors continued that classrooms are ‘calm places to learn’ and pupils have a positive relationship with their teachers and behave well.

Mr Snelson added: “The inspectors looked closely at our curriculum, which over the last three years has been re-examined and re-imagined, ensuring it is a broad, balanced and enriching curriculum.

“Students learn about the best that has been said, thought and done, in each subject area.

“My subject leaders and their teams have further enhanced their curriculums by interweaving themes and heroes around equality, diversity and inclusion throughout them.

“The curriculums develop students’ knowledge and skills, their character and their creativity and imagination.

“Congratulations to my colleagues, parents/carers and to my students, who once more have shown they are ready to learn, respectful and safe and embrace opportunities.

“At the start of this academic year, myself and my colleagues set out to have a joyous and rewarding year and this report demonstrates we are doing just that.”