Staff and students at a Church of England school in High Wycombe are celebrating after receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating in the school’s most recent inspection.

Inspectors from Statutory Inspection for Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) praised Ibstone CE School for its “exceptionally strong and vibrant Christian ethos”, “inspirational and strongly Christian leadership” and an “extremely strong and beneficial partnership” with the parish church.

A SIAMS inspection assesses the effect that the Christian ethos of a church school has on the children and young people who attend it.

In the report, inspectors said the school’s “distinctly Christian values” have resulted in a “happy, mutually supportive school in which all strive to give of their best”.

They also said parents spoke “warmly” of this ethos, “lovingly describing the school as a ‘close family where there is a clear focus for compassion’”, and that the impact of collective worship on the school community was “outstanding”.

The report suggested the school improve on pupils’ understanding of Christianity in relation to other major faiths by devising strategies for “good practitioners” of those faiths to visit the school.

It also suggested the school implement strategies to ensure that “thought-provoking questions which will challenge children’s thinking” are used regularly in “both RE and collective worship”.

Head teacher Louise Long said: “It is wonderful that our school continues to be outstanding.

“We are delighted that the inspection recognises that we meet the needs of our learners exceptionally well and that we provide outstanding opportunities for all.

“The dedicated staff, parents, governors and the wider community all work really hard to give our children the best start to school life.”

The school’s governors said: “We are so proud of our outstanding Church School and are excited to see it grow and move from strength to strength in the future.”