Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey has been praised by inspectors for “encouraging a sense of high ambition in pupils”.

Ofsted said that the school would continue to keep their ‘good’ rating after their short visit on October 10.

The education watchdog found the school to be “a vibrant, welcoming and caring school, in which pupils enjoy their learning and feel valued” and a place where “staff ensure pupils behave very well”.

In relation to their Sixth Form provision, it was also commented that student’s progress was “strong” in both their “academic and vocational qualifications”.

Jason Howard, inspector, said: “Pupils benefit from learning within a calm and productive classroom environment; they get to work quickly and maintain their focus, including when the work they are completing is challenging.”

In 2016 and 2017, pupils made insufficient progress in geography and history by the end of key stage 4.

However, this has seen a turnaround as in 2018, as progress and outcomes in both subjects has improved.

Subject leaders have also ensured that pupils practise key skills more regularly so that these are better developed by the end of key stage 4.

For further improvement leaders were asked to ensure that “the most able pupils make the progress they should in chemistry, geography and modern foreign languages and that the less able gain secure knowledge and understanding in science, and develop their literacy skills”.

Dawn White, principal, said: I would like to thank you all for your support, especially those parents who completed the survey and submitted such positive comments in relation to the work of the college.

“The lead inspector was impressed by how many parents would recommend Sir Harry Smith Community College to another parent.

“I am excited and privileged to lead this college for the future and believe there are no limits to what we can achieve.

“Most of all, I should like to thank all of our students for their loyalty, resilience, generosity, integrity, compassion, commitment and hard work.

“In terms of next steps, the report identified three areas of development for the College to support us in being judged outstanding in the future.

“These three areas for improvement have already been prioritised by the college and we have already started working on them.”