‘Outstanding’ school that lives up to its motto praised by Ofsted

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited Riverside School in Barking on October 5 and 6.

In a report published last Friday (November 18) inspectors raised its rating from the second highest ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.

They said the school’s motto ‘excellence for all’ reflects the ethos and ambition that leaders have for the school community. 

They wrote in their report: “Pupils work hard and achieve well. Very clearly established routines ensure that pupils are engaged in their learning and that their work is of a consistently high quality.

“Standards of behaviour are very high. Lessons are not disrupted by poor behaviour, and cases of bullying are rare.

“When bullying does happen, pupils are confident that it will be dealt with.

“Pupils feel safe in the school.”

During their visit, inspectors were impressed by the school’s curriculum, whih they found remained broad as pupils progressed through the school. They added that the “vast majority” of pupils continued to study a language and a humanities subject at GCSE. 

The report added that pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) benefit from appropriate support and adaptations so they can study the same content as other pupils.

In its evaluation, Ofsted was also impressed with the leader’s vision for the school, one which is shared by a “committed governing body” and by the trust.

Ofsted reported that governors provide support and challenge to leaders, and know the school well, and that staff are dedicated and proud to work at the school, which has become an integral part of the community which it serves.

Headteacher Andy Roberts said: “This outstanding Ofsted judgment is a public endorsement of a decade of exceptional work by students, teachers, support staff, governors, and parents and carers at Riverside School.”

“Our strong school values ensure we focus relentlessly on learning and excellence, most importantly this results in the very best educational outcomes for pupils and improved life chances, the Ofsted outstanding is now the crowning accomplishment.”

“We are collectively so proud, as a community, that everyone’s hard work and commitment has been recognised, from the teachers very strong subject knowledge, excellent training and amazing teaching; to the consistently high standards of pupil behaviour and engagement, their excellent results and strong student leadership.”