A SECONDARY school is celebrating after a short inspection highly praised the establishment - noting teachers and pupils are “proud to be part of the school community”.

Harrow Way Community School was told it “continues to be good” by Ofsted when it was inspected in March.

The school, on Harrow Way, was deemed “good” by the governmental body in July 2013.

The leadership team was particularly praised as the report said: “You are determined to improve standards in your school and have created and shared plans to do so.

“You have skilfully managed difficulties caused by instability in staffing by appointing highly experienced specialist teachers and support staff.

“Teachers feel valued, trusted and very well supported.”

Parents were also seen to be impressed by the school.

The report added: “You have created a school that is calm and purposeful. Parents told us that their children are happy at school and appreciate the ease of communication with staff.

“A parent echoed the views of others by describing ‘a dedicated group of staff led by an exceptional headteacher’.”

The report said the school’s reputation had increased and as a result a larger cohort of pupils would be transferring to Harrow Way School in September.

Inspectors saw improvements had been made in several areas, which led to disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and disabilities catching up with others.

They said weaknesses identified in the last inspection were addressed.

Student behaviour had improved and they knew poor behaviour and prejudice was not acceptable.

According to the report fixed term exclusions have reduced and the frequency of pupils being excluded is now close to the national average.

Harrow Way School’s connection with Andover College allowed students to follow a curriculum that has a work-related element.

This means pupils make good progress and gained qualifications that guarantee them places on higher level post-16 courses.

The report mentioned pupils’ standards in English are not yet the same as in other subjects, but governors were aware and receiving frequent reports to ensure consistent improvement in this area.

Headteacher Michael Serridge said: “We are very proud to receive this recognition from Ofsted who last inspected the school in 2013.

“The report is full of very positive comments about the leadership team, teaching, safeguarding and the general culture here at Harrow Way.”

He added that inspectors recognise the team’s good work.