The headteacher of a Wem school whose boarding house was downgraded from 'outstanding' to 'good' by Ofsted insists they were rated under new, more stringent rules.

Thomas Adams School, in Lowe Hill Road, was given the new rating in a report released this week for their boarding house at the school.

However, Mark Cooper, headteacher, said the inspection was carried out under the new tougher Social Care Common Inspection Framework that was introduced on the previous day on September 23.

“In my view many boarding houses will find this framework much more stringent," he said.

"We were pleased that Ofsted recently recognised during out inspection that 'young people enjoy their boarding experience and make good progress…and unanimously say that no bullying behaviours are experienced or accepted at the school'.

"[This is] confirming that there is a strong safeguarding culture across the school.

"Feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive with parents saying 'The school is great'.

“As headteacher of the school I am tremendously proud of our boarding provision and the fantastic diversity it brings to the school and sixth form, making it a great place to learn.

"Already we have addressed the single compliance issue in the report.

"I am pleased that Ofsted have recognised that 'All staff have high aspirations for young people in their care' and we warmly welcome any prospective parents and children to come and visit our fabulous school, sixth form and boarding house."

Ofsted inspectors visited the school last month to rate it under its social care common inspection framework, looking at the boarding side of the school.

Dave Carrigan, social care inspector, found the provision overall was good – compared with outstanding in 2017.

The school itself is also rated as good.

He said: “The boarding school provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

“Young people enjoy their boarding experience and make good progress in many areas of their life."