A Hitchin school is celebrating after once again being awarded 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

Hitchin Nub News can exclusively report that Hitchin Boys' School on Grammar School Walk has been awarded the top level of grading by government inspectors this week following their visit in September.

In a letter to parents seen by Hitchin Nub News, HBS head teacher Fergal Moane said: "It is with great pleasure that I can confirm that the school has retained the 'Outstanding' designation that we have held since 2016.

"The framework for school inspection was reformed considerably in 2019 and it is fair to say that the bar has been significantly raised and expectations are higher.

"To retain our Outstanding rating on this new framework is a really notable achievement that few secondary schools nationally have managed."

The school is a state-funded academy with its motto per ardua ad alta which means 'striving for excellence'.

In the Ofsted report, seen by Hitchin Nub News, inspectors hailed teachers and staff at HBS for maintaining an outstanding school.

"Pupils enjoy their time at school," the report said, adding: "They care about each other and get on well with staff and with their peers. Pupils are polite and respectful. They bring to life the Hitchin Boys' School values of respect, teamwork and kindness.

"Staff have very high expectations and want the best for all pupils. Consequently, pupils behave extremely well and feel safe. No one in the school community tolerates unkind words or acts against others.

"There is a passion to develop pupils both academically and as well-rounded British citizens," the report noted, adding, "The school's curriculum is highly ambitious for all pupils.

"It is designed very well and ensures pupils not only learn rich subject knowledge, but also grow in their awareness of the world around them.

"Teachers have a thorough understanding of the subjects they teach...Pupils read widely. They access a variety of high-quality texts across many subjects. The library contains a wide range of books for all abilities.

Founded in 1632 by John Mattocke, the single-sex school currently educates around 1,500 male pupils.

The school was a grammar school until 1974 when it became a comprehensive school.

In 2003 construction started on the creation of a Sixth Form Centre - previously the Sixth Form had been forced to establish base in the former School Stables.

It was completed in the summer of 2005 and took its first intake of Sixth Formers in September of that year.

Mr Moane, who has earned plaudits for his calm leadership during the Covid pandemic praised the school's pupils, staff and Hitchin parents.

Mr Moane said: "Without the people that make up the community, school is merely a collection of buildings.

"The report is really a reflection on you, the school community, and the life you bring to these buildings each day.

"I was delighted that the inspectors noted that our curriculum and teaching were highly effective, but I am also immensely proud of the references to living the school values of respect, teamwork and kindness."

Mr Moane added: "Keeping students safe and supporting wellbeing is something that we take pride in, as well as getting the academic results needed to progress to the next stage in life.

"My favourite sentence overall is 'The school is a calm place for pupils to learn and be themselves'.

"This is exactly what we hope to achieve – a place to learn new things but also for students to discover who they are and what they want to be, with classroom learning supported by a wide variety of experiences."

The school's present site has expanded continuously since its establishment.

From early 2018 to early 2019, a new Performing Arts Block was built and established, containing an auditorium with state of the art lighting and sound systems and several more classrooms for the performing arts.

This replaced the old classrooms in the main school. It also has state of the art music classrooms and practice rooms for a range of music lessons.

All Geography, History and RE lessons take place in this block too.

Mr Moane refused to let the school rest on its laurels, adding: "However, I know that 'Outstanding' doesn't mean 'Perfect' and we will continue to try to improve and do everything we can to support you all, within the means that we have.

"Thank you once again for your support."