A local secondary school has been jumping for joy after being awarded its latest Ofsted rating.

Townsend Church of England school has been upgraded from ‘needs improvement’ in January 2013 to ‘good’ in a new report.

Teachers and pupils are said to be overjoyed at the result, which was published last week after an inspection before Christmas.

Headteacher Andrew Wellbeloved said: “I am still smiling as are our pupils, staff, governors and parents/carers who are equally as pleased with the report.

“It celebrates the excellent achievement of our pupils and comments strongly about our values and ethos, while praising the attitudes of our students and the work of all of our staff to give every child the best possible experience.”

The report rates the school as good in five categories including achievement of pupils, sixth form provision, quality of teaching, behaviour, and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Mr Wellbeloved added: “The report very strongly endorses the work of our students and staff and celebrates so much that makes Townsend a special place for a child.

“Inspectors said that the school is delivering a good education with good outcomes and in a wonderfully supportive and caring environment with strong and secure values and ethos.”

The report also praised the ‘Respect for All’ policy the school upholds.

It said: “Spiritual, moral, social, and cultural aspects of student’s learning are well developed.. The school prepares students well for life in modern democratic Britain, and its focus on developing respect for all is exemplary.”

Copies of the full report can be obtained from the school.