Inspectors praised the Park Hall Road school for its teaching, the leadership of headteacher Jonathon Hickman and said it was continuing to improve.

The specialist sports college was highlighted in the report for making an important contribution to the health and well-being of students, while many enjoyed making the most of facilities on offer.

Said the report: "A significant proportion take part in sports and many spoke favourably of the way success in this subject has increased their self-confidence.

Community

"The more varied range of sporting activities on offer has resulted in a significant increase in the number of girls who take physical exercise on a regular basis.

"The specialist status adds much to the life of the school and of the local community and the facilities are well used by a wide range of age groups."

Ofsted ranked the school's sixth form as satisfactory, claiming that students make a mature and valuable contribution to the whole-school community — although attainment on A-level and A/S-level courses was below average.

Despite this, however, it was acknowledged that pupils make satisfactory progress and made achievements in line with what they required to go on to further education.

Early years education at the school was again rated as good by inspectors, who claimed that the foundation stage was well led and managed by staff.

'Enjoy'

"Children thoroughly enjoy their sessions here, the focus on improving health and physical activity ensures that children's personal development, encompassing their social and emotional needs and their health and physical activity awareness is outstanding," said the report.

"A creative range of carefully planned activities covers all areas of learning and outdoor areas are frequently used for fun and play."

The report set out the following areas of improvement for the school as part of the inspection:

• Ensure teachers provide regular opportunities in lessons for students to develop the skills needed to become independent learners and to reflect on their learning.


• Involve governors fully in school self-evaluation.


• Ensure all students are pursuing courses that will lead to an accredited qualification.

Said headteacher Jonathon Hickman: "We are determined to provide the very best opportunities for our students so that they are happy, confident and successful.

"The inspection report provides a real platform for the further improvement of the school and we are confident we can address the key issues for action identified by the inspectors and maintain and build upon the successes our students have enjoyed over the last few years."