STAFF and pupils at The Cooper School in Bicester are celebrating after being given the highest rating for 'inclusivity' in the classroom.

The Cooper School is now one of just 100 schools in the country to be awarded a 'Flagship School' award by national body Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM)

The organisation works to make schools inclusive to all and reviews them to ensure they are providing equal opportunities for every student.

The secondary school in Churchill Road has been working with the IQM over a number of years and, after being a 'centre of excellence' for the past three years, has now been moved up a grade to flagship status.

In the IQM report, assessor Steve Gill said: "I enjoyed my visit immensely.

"It was a pleasure to talk to staff and students who were all extremely supportive of the school and spoke about the progress made since the last review.

"I was again impressed by the welcoming nature of the school and the dedication of all staff to ensure that the needs of the students are continually met.

"Over the course of the review it was clear to see evidence that inclusion is at the heart of everything that happens in the school."

"This is a school that is clearly at the heart of its community where inclusion is ingrained in the very fabric of the school and care, nurture and support is at the very heart of everything, for staff and students alike.

"It is an extremely impressive, inclusive learning environment."

Schools are judged on their commitment to providing collaborative activities, showing inclusive practices and working closely with other schools.

The report highlighted the school's successful partnership with Glory Farm Primary School and the work staff put in to share expertise and strategies across both schools as part of the Bicester Learning Academy Trust, which was formed in 2014.

Mr Gill said: "The partnership with Glory Farm Primary School is having a positive impact on pupils' progress overall, with staff across both schools often sharing their expertise and these strategies ensure that pupils make the transition from school to school with much greater confidence."

The recognition comes just a few months after The Cooper School kept its 'good' rating – Ofsted's second highest – and Glory Farm Primary School went up one rating from 'requires improvement' to 'good'.