A HEADTEACHER was “ecstatic” when she found out the school she runs had been awarded an ‘excellent’ rating.

Oaklands School, in Albion Hill, Loughton, was given its rating after five inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) spent a week there assessing the it.

The independent school was one of the first to be scrutinised under the new style of inspection and was only given 24 hours to prepare for the week.

The new style of inspection set out by the Department of Education focusses mainly on pupils personal development, academic development and how focussed they are.

Sue Belej, headteacher, said: “I am so delighted for all the staff, the children and the parents. They support us in everything we do. They are of utmost importance to us.

“It is an endorsement for what we are working towards and it is incredibly difficult to achieve this.

“I was ecstatic.”

Mrs Belej believes the key to getting such a good report is to make sure everyone is happy, and there is good planning from staff.

She added: “There is a balance between the pupils, parents and the staff. Pupils leave the school, get what they want at their 11 plus exams and are well prepared for the next stage of education. We are a family centred, caring school. We value and celebrate all their achievements.

“I believe that if parents and pupils are happy, then everyone will succeed.”

Oaklands School is an independent school that teaches pupils from the age of two up until 11.

The ISI report said “the quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent” as well as praising their “keen” attitude to reading and their ability to make “good progress.”

Principal Matthew Hagger said: “We are all very pleased at Oakland's to have received such positive reports, which contain numerous comments that support and acknowledge the many positive achievements we have made in recent years as they were judged to be “excellent” or “good” in all areas.

“With such rigorous criteria for inspections nowadays, this is a far higher standard than the national trend and it is a testament to our hard working staff and lovely children.”