they came runner-ups. This success has put them through to the National Hockey IAPS tournament.

We are hugely proud of our girls and the great display of teamwork today.

the classroom (LOtC) to its pupils by achieving a prestigious national Learning Outside the Classroom Mark (Gold).

Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, LOtC Mark (Gold) recognises exemplary LOtC provision in schools and indicates that a school is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom.

King’s Hawford Headmaster, Jim Turner said:  ‘Being awarded LOtC Mark (Gold) is a real coup for everyone here as it shows that we are really making strides by offering a diverse curriculum that provides memorable, exciting and valuable learning outside the classroom experiences.

We’re thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts and we look forward to building on this award to continue to integrate LOtC into the everyday life of the school – contributing towards the quality and depth of learning of our pupils.’

LOtC Mark is the first national accreditation for schools which recognises, and supports, the development of learning outside the classroom across all subject areas.

Learning outside the classroom is known to contribute significantly to raising standards & improving pupils’ personal, social & emotional development.

Elaine Skates, Chief Executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom said:

‘Learning outside the classroom provides the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life.  LOtC Mark (Gold) demonstrates that the school is committed to developing and delivering genuinely valuable learning outside the classroom experiences for their children and young people. I congratulate King’s Hawford on its fantastic achievement.’

achieved the highest possible ratings in all areas.

There were two parts to the inspection, focused compliance and educational quality. King’s passed the focused compliance section with flying colours and achieved a rating of ‘excellent’ for both the achievement of pupils, including academic achievement, and their personal development.

There were some very pleasing judgements in the report, which included the following:

Pupils achieve highly in both academic and extra-curricular areas and especially so in art, drama, music, and sport;

Pupils show great pride in their school, support one another’s learning and are eager to celebrate each other’s achievements in and beyond the classroom;

Pupils are highly confident and self-assured members of the school community;

Pupils exhibit a very high level of mutual respect and tolerance, enabling strong relationships to flourish.

Proud Headmaster Matthew Armstrong remarked: “I am delighted that the hard work of pupils, teachers, parents and the wider school community has been acknowledged in the glowing ISI Report across the King’s Foundation.

Our long-term aim is that our boys and girls should be thoroughly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, both at university and beyond; we want our pupils to leave us as confident, fulfilled and unselfish adults ready to play their part in the world.

We are looking forward to continuing to build on this positive feedback from the ISI. The King’s School is committed to providing our pupils with an exemplary all-round education, instilling in our children life-long learning skills in addition to excellent academic, sporting and creative achievements.”