AN 'INSPIRATIONAL' headteacher has been praised for his pivotal role in turning a school's fortunes around, notching its first 'good' Ofsted rating in 15 years.

Winton Community Academy has been rated 'good' in all areas by Ofsted after it was inspected last month with headteacher Nathan Thomas 'over the moon' with the result after it was ranked as "requires improvement" in all areas from the last education watchdog's visit in 2016.

The announcement comes weeks after it Progress 8 results were revealed, which showed it had come out top of secondary schools in the Andover area.

Mr Thomas said: "I am over the moon and incredibly proud that the hard work of the staff, students and governors has been recognised.

"This is a huge step for Winton and the first time in 15 years the school has achieved an Ofsted rating of ‘good’.

"The Ofsted team recognised the many strengths of the academy which is in a very different place to three years ago thanks to the commitment of the staff and positivity of the incredible young people.

“Winton is a small school and every student is respected as an individual.

"[The pupils] have been so desperate to know how we got on in the inspection and telling them was an emotional experience as they were justifiably so proud of their school.”

In the report, Mr Thomas's determination to improve the school was noticed, adding: "The headteacher has been pivotal in creating an ambitious culture where staff and pupil morale is very positive.

"Several staff praised his leadership, with one saying, 'He has a clear vision and his enthusiasm is contagious.'

"Parents also recognise the impact of the headteacher on the school, with several calling him 'inspirational'.

"Pupils too, were quick to point out that 'This school is so much better and it's because of the head.'"

Staff were also examined with senior leaders showing a "shared determination to raise standards".

Leaders were also said to have the same "determination" yet did not show signs of complacency.

The inspector also found pupils were proud of their school and positive relationships had been built between them and staff with mutual respect.

In regards to bullying the Ofsted report said good measures were in place to deal with any incidents.

The report added: "No derogatory language was heard during the inspection. Pupils, parents and staff confirmed that bullying is rare in school."

To further improve, inspectors recommended that governance and leadership should provide developmental opportunities for leaders.

They should also refine the whole-school assessment system so it provides more accurate information about pupils' current outcomes.

The school should also develop the quality of teaching and learning so pupils make consistently strong progress from their different starting points.

Teachers' planning should more effectively consider learning needs of different groups, particularly special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Jonathan Frere, governor, said: "The governors are delighted to see the consistent progress that has been made under the stewardship of the headteacher.

"We are confident that the school will now be able to build on this solid foundation.

"Our focus is now on ensuring we do not take our foot off the accelerator and we receive a good set of exam results in the summer.

"The current Year 11s have had better teaching over time and therefore we are confident we will see a positive set of exam results this summer, which should mean the academy is on target to continue its journey towards "outstanding"."