A school in Garston is celebrating its first ever 'good' rating by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Francis Combe Academy, in Horseshoe Lane, in November to observe lessons and speak to students, staff and governors at the school.

They graded the academy as 'good' in all criteria while praising its culture, the standards of teaching and learning, student's achievement and their personal development.

Francis Combe was previously rated as 'requires improvement' but now has the second highest 'good' rating for areas including leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare.

Ofsted inspectors said the school could further improve by ensuring the current progress of disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs matches the rapid progress of others.

The report said: "The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural provision for pupils is broad. Pupils have many opportunities for personal development and reflection, both within the curriculum and through a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Their attitudes to learning in terms of respect and courtesy to others have improved as a result."

Principal Deborah Warwick said: "I am incredibly proud and delighted by the outcome. As a community we have been working hard to improve and develop all aspects of the academy. This report has captured these improvements.

"I never miss a chance to share with the students, staff, parents, carers and the wider community how much we believe in our young people and this grading is an amazing achievement.

"The whole academy community has truly demonstrated what it is to be ‘confident, successful and proud’, three words that run through every aspect of this school.

"Our vision is summarised in our mission statement ‘transforming lives through learning’ – this ‘good’ grading signifies success in doing just this."

Ms Warwick, who has been at the school for 17 years and principal for two and was herself a pupil at the school, added: “Francis Combe is an academy the community can be proud of. This judgement is an important milestone on our journey, but we continually reflect on our achievements and are always looking to improve further.”

Gill Worgan, principal of the academy’s sponsors West Herts College and chair of governors at Francis Combe, said: “Ofsted’s recent conclusions are testament to the hard work of staff and students. The report is a certainly a mark of achievement, and can also be a springboard for future success.”