Hilltop is the tops

Ofsted Inspectors gave Hilltop School at Maltby a glowing rating of "outstanding" in its recent inspection of the school, adding to other successes this year.

Those include the awarding of Specialist School status for Communication and Interaction.

To mark those successes the school's pupils, staff and parents held a special day to celebrate their fantastic Year of Achievement.

In their report the Ofsted inspectors said: "As a result of a continuing first-rate education, pupils in all age groups make remarkable progress in their learning and personal development."

The report also described the school as having "inspirational, visionary leadership' and being 'a school that embraces all learners."

It also notes that "since the last inspection, pupils' attainment has improved very strongly year-on-year despite an increase in the complexity of their needs, and the severity of their medical conditions."

Attention is drawn to pupils' admirable behaviour and how "Pupils show immense enthusiasm for their lessons and all that the school offers. They delight in their learning, with even those with the most complex needs grinning broadly as they achieve their targets. Pupils display remarkable levels of concentration. Equally, they demonstrate great determination."

Recognition is also given to the exceptional training for all staff, outstanding quality of teaching, notable provision for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, and the tremendous care, guidance and support received by the pupils.

The only point raised by the inspection team to help continue the school's improvement was to formalise its work to help pupils' learn about community cohesion.

Headteacher Peter Leach said "The staff, pupils, governors and parnets at Hilltop are extremely pleased with the Inspection Report and the award of Specialist School Status.

"This is clear recognition of the hard work of staff, pupils, parents, volunteers and governors who have worked hard since the last inspection to ensure that the school has continued to improve and we are looking forward to a very positive future for our whole school community."