STAFF and pupils at Chiltern Way Academy Buckinghamshire are celebrating after a recent Ofsted report described the establishment as 'outstanding'.

The leading academy which specialises in education for children with autism spectrum disorders and social, mental and health needs has three campuses across the county in Prestwood, Wendover and Bierton.

All three wowed Ofsted during a recent inspection with Ofsted saying: "This is a very special school where pupils are happy to attend and it is safe to be yourself.

“Expectations are extremely high and despite being miles apart, the approach to learning and behaviour across the three school sites is highly consistent and remarkably successful.”

Ian McCaul, chief executive officer across the academy, paid tribute to his staff and students.

He said: "Clearly we are very happy with this outcome, especially given the context of the last two years: Covid-19, opening our new Bierton Hill Campus and taking on a new and very challenging school in Wokingham.

“Priority-wise, Ofsted wasn’t even close to the top of our ‘to do’ list, this makes the judgement all the sweeter. I am particularly pleased for our staff, they are heroes.

“They work tirelessly for these young people and were singled out during Covid by the education Minster for their exceptional performance.

“It is heartening to see that Ofsted have reaffirmed what an incredible bunch they are.”

Describing the work the academy does on its website, Mr McCaul said: "We provide high-quality education and care for the huge range of need that exists across the behaviour spectrum. We offer a compassionate and structured environment centred on a purposeful curriculum offer.

"The Chiltern Way Academy Trust benefits enormously from having four school sites, all of which have state-of-the-art facilities and a high staff-student ratio. The Wendover Campus admits secondary aged young people with predominantly social, emotional and mental health needs, the Prestwood Campus focuses on secondary aged young people with an autistic spectrum diagnosis, the Bierton Hill Campus educates and cares for primary aged children with additional needs and the Wokingham Campus is designated for both primary and secondary aged children with additional needs. The staff team is strong and exceptionally committed, bringing with them a wide range of relevant skills and experience.

"Our clear purpose is to make an enduring difference to our students’ lives, providing them with the knowledge, resilience and skills to enable them to have purposeful and lasting employment."