A headteacher has praised the hard work of students, staff, parents, governors and the local community after her school was rated as ‘Good’ in a recent Ofsted inspection.

Castle Manor Academy is celebrating after achieving the judgement across all areas – just two years after Ofsted deemed the school as ‘requires improvement’.

The impressive upturn in fortunes comes on the back of some strong exam results and the entire school community pulling in the same direction, according to headteacher Vanessa Whitcombe.

She said: “This success comes from a huge amount of hard work of students, staff, parents and the community working together.

The increased exam outcomes we have experienced over the past 3 years are of course a great measure of this, but I am so pleased that much more about our school has been noticed and captured in this report.”

Ofsted inspectors described relationships between students and staff as “very positive” which made pupils happy and engaged and showing good behaviour in and around school.

The inspectors added: “Leaders and staff expectations that pupils will 'word hard, be kind and be PROUD' is permeating the school and is visible in terms of behaviour of pupils.

Inspectors found without exception that pupils are extremely polite and courteous.

“Diversity and equality are promoted well.

Pupils are confident it is 'ok to be different' and fully support leaders and staff in creating the school culture where respect for everyone is the norm.”

Mrs Whitcombe said: “Our commitment, passion and belief in our fantastic young people means that we continue to drive forward to make Castle Manor even better, as a centre of excellence in our community where very learner flourishes.

“We are a school with expert staffing, strong pastoral support and passionate leadership, providing all the ingredients to be able to continue to grow from strength-to-strength.”

Tim Coulson, chief executive of the Unity Schools Partnership, of which Castle Manor is a member, said: “'We have known for some time that Castle Manor Academy is a 'good' school and are delighted to see recognition of this by Ofsted.

“We are proud to be associated with the school and I would like to extend my congratulations to staff, students and governors for this achievement.”