TWO schools just yards apart run by executive head Michelle Frost and with a joint chair of governors, Michael Saycell, were both Ofsted inspected in December, resulting in praise for both.

So you would think the ‘federated’ Liphook infant and junior schools in The Avenue would at the very least keep their Ofsted rating of ‘Good.’

But no, in the inspectors’ report released on January 24, the infants was downgraded to ‘Inadequate’, while a similar report the next day moved the juniors up to ‘Outstanding’.

In their report on the junior school led by head Jacqueline Taylor, inspectors said: “Pupils feel incredibly safe. Many describe it as like an extension of their family.

“This helps pupils become remarkably confident and self-assured.

“Their attitudes are summed up by the school’s values of excellence, friendship and respect.

“Bullying is extremely rare, but pupils have absolute trust in adults to resolve any issues that arise.

“Parents and pupils feel proud to have such a fantastic school in their community.

“Parents who responded to Ofsted’s online survey were unanimous in recommending the school. One said: ‘I feel privileged my child goes to this school. She is cared for, nurtured, challenged and made to feel supported every day.’”

In a letter to parents Michelle Frost said: “To achieve an Outstanding judgment is exceptionally hard under the new Ofsted framework which only came in last September.

“The aim is for only two per cent of schools nationally to be awarded this judgment.

“We are incredibly proud of the staff for their hard work, commitment and determination for every child to achieve their very best.

“We are so very proud of our wonderful children who spoke so eloquently and enthusiastically about their learning and time at school.”

The infants led by head Greg Braham was only downgraded as on five occasions concerns about pupils were discussed with their parents instead of children’s services being notified.

In the infants’ Ofsted report it also said: “Pupils are enthusiastic about learning and feel safe at school and trust adults to help with their worries or problems.

“Pupils make the most of their time and listen to their teachers’ every word.”

See the full Ofsted reports and related documents on the school website at https://liphookfederation.co.uk/