A POPULAR junior school has been given a rare outstanding rating.

Quilters Junior School, in Laindon Road, Billericay, was praised for its high quality teaching –which ensures pupils make “rapid progress.” It was rated good in its previous Ofsted inspection in 2012.

Inspectors praised headteacher Mike Wade for the improvements.

In the report, lead inspector John Daniell said: “The headteacher has ensured that this highly sought-after school serves the needs of all of its pupils exceptionally well.

“He has, along with his senior leaders, made sure that the school’s vision is known, shared and fully supported by all of its stakeholders.

“Parents who completed Ofsted’s online questionnaire, Parent View, are overwhelmingly supportive of what the school aims to achieve. Indeed, the outcomes of this questionnaire are testament to the headteacher’s determination that every pupil deserves to excel, whatever their background, in a safe and secure environment.”

Teachers and the management team were praised for ensuring all 260 children at the school make quick progress. Inspectors found they had a good understanding of different abilities.

Mr Daniell added: “Teachers have excellent subject knowledge, have high expectations and understand the different needs of the pupils in their class very well.

“They use this knowledge of pupils’ abilities to pitch work at a suitably high level, which ensures that pupils make rapid progress from their different starting points.”

The report adds that children leave Year 6 as “confident young individuals, ready to embark on their secondary school career.”

The PE provision at the school was also highly praised. Inspectors found children are encouraged to participate in sport, regardless of abilities.

The report reads: “The behaviour of pupils is outstanding. Pupils behave impeccably in their lessons and when outside at play. Pupils show great consideration towards their teachers and their peers.”

Inspectors commented that there was no bullying at the school as children respect each other. They also respect their environment, with no litter or graffiti on the school grounds.

Children were also well aware of keeping themselves safe both online and in person.

The school was rated as outstanding in all areas – the outcomes for pupils, their behaviour, their personal development and how well-led it is.

Mr Wade was not available for comment when contacted by the Echo.