OXFORDSHIRE'S only all-boys state school has been described by Ofsted as an 'inspiring place'.

St Birinus School in Didcot, which teaches almost 900 pupils, has maintained its 'good' rating following inspection last month.

Ofsted's new report, published on Monday, said: "St Birinus School is a vibrant and inspiring place for pupils to learn.

"Pupils are very proud of their school. They feel it is a friendly and welcoming place where they really feel valued."

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Parents told inspectors that the school was 'helping to turn our boys into proper young men'.

The secondary school in Mereland Road is run by the Ridgeway Education Trust, which also oversees neighbouring Didcot Girls' School.

Ofsted inspectors described the curriculum as 'interesting and well sequenced' and noted that pupils were well-behaved.

The report added: "The sixth form is thriving.

"Students achieve well in a wide range of A levels, particularly mathematics.

"Sixth-form students are fully involved in the life of the school."

It was the first inspection since William Manning took over as headteacher, after his predecessor John Marston left last year to become head of Wallingford School.

Ofsted's last visit had been in 2016, when it was also rated 'good'. This is the second-best standard, below 'outstanding'.

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This time, the two inspectors considered feedback from 171 parents as part of the assessment, as well as speaking to staff and making observations.

They were impressed by staff members' approach to keeping pupils safe, stating: "Leaders set the tone that ‘it could happen here’.

"The safeguarding team works well together to support pupils at risk.

"They act quickly and maintain good communication with families and external agencies."

Writing in the Mail's sister title the Oxford Times last week, chair of governors Stephen White said St Birinus has 'high standards and expectations, and strong values of courtesy, inclusiveness and hard work'.

It could be a while until other Oxfordshire schools get a visit from Ofsted, as the government announced yesterday that the watchdog will temporarily suspend routine inspections.

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This is in response to the coronavirus outbreak and the extra pressure school staff are under to ensure children's safety.

In a statement yesterday, education secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Teachers are doing everything they can to support the children in their care and help make sure that key workers can continue going to work.

"Teachers are on the frontline of our national effort.

"Given the pressures on our school leaders and their staff, it is only right that Ofsted temporarily suspends its routine inspection timetable.

"This will help schools to focus on their core functions at a difficult time."

The announcement came after the National Education Union wrote to Amanda Spielman, chief inspector at Ofsted, calling for inspections to be suspended.

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the union, said: "This announcement is as welcome as it is overdue. Schools are operating in extraordinary circumstances and must be able to focus on what is essential."