A secondary school has turned around its fortunes by achieving a 'good' Ofsted rating, just two years after being told it 'required improvement'.

Aureus School, in Didcot, got the commendation after inspections were carried out on October 22 and 23. 

In 2022, Ofsted said it 'required improvement'. But headteacher Kirsty Rogers, who joined in September last year, has turned things around. 

Ms Rodgers said: “We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and their families.

READ MORE: Ed Davey raises concerns over London Road Crossing proposals

Headteacher Kirsty Rogers (Image: Contributed) “Our journey has been guided by a commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that all students are supported to achieve greatness. I am proud of how our community has embraced this challenge with resilience and determination.

"The Ofsted report confirms that we’re on the right path, and we’re excited to continue building on this strong foundation.

“I would like to thank the Aureus team of teaching and associate staff who have worked tirelessly to transform the school.

"I am delighted this report recognised their hard work and commitment. I would also like to thank the students who are a privilege to work with, and who make our school such a vibrant place to be.

"They too have experienced considerable change, and I am very proud that they have risen to the challenge.

“An additional thank you goes out to our families, members of our school’s standards board, and to GLF Schools including the school’s support team. Together, we make a fantastic Aureus family, which has a powerful and positive impact on our students' education.”

Louise Sinfield, chair of the school’s standards board, added: "I am ecstatic for Ms Rogers and the team at Aureus School for the recent Ofsted outcome.

"This truly demonstrates the impact of the strong leadership and focus on improving standards for all students at Aureus. I have seen the determination at Aureus since the last inspection and can say on behalf of the SSB how proud we all are and excited to support future plans."

Julian Drinkall, CEO of GLF Schools, said: “I am delighted that the recent Ofsted inspection recognises the rapid improvement that Aureus School has made since July 2023, and am grateful to the whole Aureus community for their unrelenting efforts to achieve such a positive impact in such a short space of time.

"All colleagues at GLF Schools are dedicated to providing the best possible educational outcomes for all students and Kirsty and the staff team continue to work tirelessly to achieve this at Aureus.”

The inspector's report said: “Aureus School has changed for the better. Leaders and staff share the same high ambitions for pupils, who understand what is expected of them.”

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
  • Advert-light access       
  • Reader rewards       
  • Full access to our app

About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby