A secondary school is on the road to an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating after it came in for huge praise following an ungraded inspection.

Thomas Gainsborough School was inspected last month with Ofsted concluding that it remained a Good school, but could reach the top-level Outstanding status following evidence gathered during the two-day inspection.

With a full graded inspection now due in the next two years, headteacher Helen Yapp said she was delighted with the latest report.

She said: “We thought it was a fair summary of where the school is now and the journey we have been on for a number of years.

“It recognises our whole school approach, both what goes on in the classroom and the additional things we offered students and families.

“It is a testament to everyone connected to the school – all our staff, our governors who work tirelessly to both support and challenge, our students and our families. We thank them all for their continued support.

“Of course, we are delighted that Ofsted found many examples of an ‘Outstanding’ school and we will continue to work hard to achieve this and provide the best possible education for our students.”

Highlights of the report included a flexible and well-thought-out curriculum, tailored towards pupils’ needs and interests, and subject teams working together on a journey of continuous improvement – meaning pupils were well prepared to take their next steps in education, employment or training.

Mrs Yapp said she was also pleased to see inspectors highlight the progress of SEND students at the school who “make similar progress to their peers”.

There was also high praise for sixth form provision at the school in Wells Hall Road with the report noting: “Pupils and students in the sixth form are proud of their school. They understand the values that are at the heart of the ‘Thomas Gainsborough Way’.

“This is reflected in their positive approach to learning and in the typically high standards of behaviour.”

The community spirit of inter-house competitions were said to be popular, as was the ‘Ribbons’ reward scheme, which highlights achievements in academic studies.

Inspectors said: “Pupils wear their ribbon badges with pride. They explain enthusiastically about how they achieved them.

“The chance to be a pupil leader, such as becoming a subject ambassador, reading mentor, house captain, or to get involved in charity fundraising are valued.”

Click here to view the Thomas Gainsborough School Ofsted report.