A secondary school has been rated 'outstanding' after a recent inspection.

Rickmansworth School in Scots Hill received the highest grading by Ofsted after a visit on September 19 and 20.

It is an improvement for the school that was rated as good in 2017.

The school’s headteacher Matt Fletcher said: “Along with all the staff and students, I am immensely proud of the school’s achievements and really pleased that Ofsted recognise the outstanding quality of educational provision we offer at Rickmansworth School.”

In a report seen by the Watford Observer, inspectors described the school as striving to “ensure that all pupils in all lessons receive the highest possible quality teaching”.

Watford Observer: Rickmansworth School students were described as “happy and highly enthusiastic about attending school”. Rickmansworth School students were described as “happy and highly enthusiastic about attending school”. (Image: Rickmansworth School)

The students were also described as “happy and highly enthusiastic about attending school”.

Inspectors found that the curriculum was broad, ambitious, and engaged all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Watford Observer: The school strived to “ensure that all pupils in all lessons receive the highest possible quality teaching”.The school strived to “ensure that all pupils in all lessons receive the highest possible quality teaching”. (Image: Rickmansworth School)

Pupils were found to have “exceptional outcomes throughout the school up to the end of key stage 4”.

Despite inspectors finding that students can study a wide range of courses in sixth form, it was found that recently introduced curriculum areas were not taught with the high levels of consistency seen elsewhere in the school.

Watford Observer: Inspectors found that the curriculum was broad and ambitious.Inspectors found that the curriculum was broad and ambitious. (Image: Rickmansworth School)

The report read: “As a result, students do not currently perform as highly in this small number of subjects.”

As a result, the sixth form provision was rated as 'good'.

Watford Observer: Pupils have a “secure knowledge of equality, diversity and tolerance”.Pupils have a “secure knowledge of equality, diversity and tolerance”. (Image: Rickmansworth School)

Teachers were praised in the report for being able to “create a buzz in classrooms, where pupils learn for themselves and with each other”.

The inspector described the teachers as “experts” who broke learning down into small steps for the students.

During the visit it was also found that pupils have a “secure knowledge of equality, diversity and tolerance”.

Watford Observer: Matt Fletcher, headteacher and Tony Walker, chair of trustees.Matt Fletcher, headteacher and Tony Walker, chair of trustees. (Image: Rickmansworth School)

Tony Walker, chair of trustees, said: “The board of trustees are delighted that the Ofsted inspectors recognise the commitment and dedication, as well as the expertise and diligence, of all the staff to ensure best outcomes for every student at Rickmansworth School. 

“I would like to thank all the students, parents and carers, staff and trustees for their continued support and dedication to the school.”