Glowing Ofsted report for Oswestry's Marches School

Oswestry's Marches School has been classed as outstanding, putting it in the top 10 of all secondary schools in England.

It follows a rigorous two-day inspection by education inspectors last week, part of a new, far tougher Ofsted regime.

Head of the 1,233-pupil school, Sarah Longville, said the outstanding award was the result of a team effort involving pupils, parents, all members of staff and the wider community.

She said the school had become a trailblazer of innovation and new ideas.

The report said: "The success of the school is largely attributable to highly effective leadership, good teaching and an outstanding curriculum that is enhanced by the school's extensive partnerships with schools, colleges and businesses. Pupils benefit enormously, both in their academic and personal development."

Three years ago the school was rated good, with Ofsted saying it had progressed well since then. Mrs Longville, who became head last year, said she had wanted to ensure pupils were happy and enjoyed being at school.

"We can make a difference, we can make learning fun and in some cases we can even make dreams come true. Pastoral work with the pupils is as important as the academic work," she said.

Mrs Longville said she is looking to see where more progress could be made.

She said: "Because the Marches is such an exciting place to be, it means that we have to be a trailblazer, moving forward and using the latest innovations in education so that the pupils can benefit and succeed in the 21st century."