One of the region's biggest schools has once again earned an 'outstanding' grade from inspectors.

Eastern Daily Press: Wymondham College principal Jonathan Taylor. Picture: Nick DunmurWymondham College principal Jonathan Taylor. Picture: Nick Dunmur (Image: © Nick Dunmur 2012)

Wymondham College was given the education and social care watchdog's highest grade in all three key areas, including quality of care and support, how well children and young people are protected and the impact and effectiveness of staff.

The boarding inspection Ofsted report followed a three-day visit by inspectors in January 2017.

Principal Jonathan Taylor said it was an 'exceptional' result for the school, which is the UK's largest state-run boarding school.

'To have secured outstanding judgements in all of the areas covered is a stunning tribute to the hard work and dedication of staff, and to the commitment and engagement of students and parents,' he said.

'I'm very proud of such a fantastic achievement.'

Wymondham College has 638 boarding students out of a total student body of about 1,340.

The boarding inspection focused on the social care aspects of the school rather than its educational aspects.

It assessed aspects including students' personal development, safeguarding, activities offered beyond the core curriculum, behaviour and quality of accommodation.

The report said the quality of the school's boarding accommodation had improved 'significantly' since the last inspection in 2012.

It also described the school's leaders and managers as 'inspirational', and said they drove improvement and encouraged ambition for both staff and students.

The report said there was a culture of high expectation and attainment at the school, and targeted support was offered to the children and young people who needed it.

Ofsted said the students' holistic health needs were well met, and that students were able to access an extensive programme of after-school clubs and activities that provided a balance between studies and downtime.

Joe Mooney, mayor of Wymondham, said: 'I would like to offer my congratulations to all at Wymondham College for managing to achieve what can only be described as outstanding results. Well done to all concerned.'

The report said the school could improve further by ensuring the records of its mediation meetings and complaints were more clearly kept.

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