A THURROCK primary school is celebrating an 'outstanding' rating after its Ofsted inspection.

Dilkes Academy on Garron Lane, South Ockendon, part of Catalyst Academies Trust, have impressed inspectors who delivered their report this week, saying pupils feel like they are "one big family".

The report was made public today (Thursday, 22 June) and says Dilkes Academy staff and pupils impressed inspectors with the school's community values and high standards of behaviour.

''There is an atmosphere of calm throughout. Pupils are self-disciplined and consistently show highly positive attitudes and commitment to their education'' says the report.

Inspectors visited the school on April 19 and 20 this year and decided that the school has maintained the outstanding standard it accomplished at its previous inspection back in April 2012.

The ethos of the school was described by Ofsted as caring. Pupils "care for each other and show this by being kind and respectful. Pupils have lovely manners and listen carefully to each other's opinions.''

Inspectors found that staff are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) whereby, "Leaders and staff identify and meet the needs of all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) remarkably well. All barriers to learning are reduced.''

The curriculum was described by Ofsted as "broad, rich and deep", with teachers and leaders taking steps to continuously reflect on and refine what they are teaching.

Lessons are planned so that pupils are 'active participants' and 'challenged'.

Pupil's work is described as high-quality and inspectors found that ''pupils' knowledge develops securely, and they achieve exceptionally well.''

Ofsted found that reading has a high priority at Dilkes Academy. ''Pupils learn that knowledge and communication are essential for their futures, and reading empowers them.'' Ofsted observed that Dilkes has an individualised approach for children with SEND such as using appropriate interventions and adapted learning "which means pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well."

Leaders at Dilkes Academy place a real focus on the personal development of its pupils through an ''extensive and highly effective approach''. ''Staff aim high for the pupils, and this helps pupils to be highly aspirational.''

Headteacher Mr Rhys Latham says: "It is testament to the dedication, professionalism and hard work of everyone at the school and Catalyst Academies Trust, that Dilkes Academy has been awarded outstanding status for the second time in a row by Ofsted.

"Dilkes Academy puts its pupils at the heart of everything it does and achieves fantastic outcomes for every child that walks through our door. It is wonderful to see this reflected in the brilliant accolade Ofsted has bestowed on our school."

Mr Tony Parfett, CEO, Catalyst Academies Trust was delighted that Dilkes Academy followed Quarry Hill Academy's recent outstanding inspection,

He said: "At Catalyst Academies Trust, we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional educational experience for all of our pupils. The incredible work that staff in our schools do to ensure this has been recognised again, as Dilkes Academy has also maintained its outstanding rating!'