Charter School North Dulwich is celebrating an "exceptional" outcome following its recent Ofsted inspection, with inspectors placing the school amongst the very best.

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Both Inclusion and Post-16 Provision were given the very top grading of exceptional, a grade only awarded in around 4% of inspections.

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Mark Pain, Headteacher at Charter School North Dulwich, said: "This outcome is something our whole school community can feel incredibly proud of.

"Under Ofsted's old framework, around 15% of schools secured Outstanding judgements - so, in very simplistic terms, securing the new exceptional grade is three times more difficult."

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"The fact that we have two of these top grades highlights that our continued and relentless focus to create a school community where young people can achieve academically and genuinely thrive."

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Alongside the two judgement areas, the school secured Strong Standard judgements across all other areas of the inspection.

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Under Ofsted's renewed inspection framework, an 'exceptional' judgment is reserved for practice considered among the very best nationally and work that other schools should learn from, while 'strong standard' recognises excellent, consistent work that is making a significant difference to children and young people.

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Mark added: "It is not just the outcomes that people should look at though. The inspectors said so many hugely positive things in the report that should be read and celebrated. It is, however, the recognition of our commitment to inclusivity and the impact that we have supporting children with additional needs that brings the biggest smile to our faces."

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Amongst the comments, inspectors noted that:

• Leaders and staff have an unwavering commitment to securing the success of disadvantaged pupils.
• Staff maintain uncompromisingly high expectations for all pupils. Pupils respond with determination and pride.
• Pupils are proud to belong here. Inclusivity is embedded by design.
• Disadvantaged pupils are extremely well supported to thrive in all aspects of school life.
• There is a clear appetite for excellence and a sustained thirst for improvement.
• Parents and carers enthusiastically voice their praise of this community school.
• The school is a beacon in the heart of the community.

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The school's sixth form received special praise, being called a "shining example of academic excellence", with inspectors highlighting how students "excel from their starting points and standards remain exceedingly high", while praising the school's work to widen access and support students from all backgrounds to succeed.

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Cassie Buchanan, CEO of The Charter Schools Educational Trust, added: "Charter School North Dulwich has been graded as outstanding for twenty years - and it is these decades of excellence that is celebrated in this report.

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"What I take the greatest pride in is how the school achieves impressive things through a strong culture of inclusivity and helping every child, irrespective of their background or perceived barriers, to flourish."

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"To see areas of provision identified as among the very best nationally is a huge credit to the brilliant team at the school, and a student body who embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes their way."

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