UFFCULME School in Cullompton has been rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas following an OFSTED inspection last month.

The secondary school received the highest possible rating for overall effectiveness, as well as being awarded top marks for pupil achievement, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and the school’s leadership and management.

The report cited ‘outstanding progress’ in GCSE examinations, ‘exemplary’ behaviour and ‘exceptional leadership’ as key aspects of the assessment – and head teacher Lorraine Heath was delighted with the results.

She said: “We are extremely proud that the recent inspection by Ofsted judged Uffculme School to be outstanding in all respects.

“Inspectors were im-pressed with all aspects of school life but in particular the way in which the school works as a harmonious learning community.

“Praise was given to teachers for their commitment to delivering high quality lessons and to the students for their outstanding attitudes to learning.

“The report identifies the spiritual, moral, social and cultural provision as being particularly strong and judges the school’s work to keep students safe and secure to be outstanding.

“Students make outstanding progress and achieve highly while behaviour is described as ‘exemplary’."

High praise was given to the work done inside the classroom but the report also highlights the school’s extra-curricular activities, ‘which help them [pupils] develop into well-rounded people.’ The school, which caters for 955 students, is an ‘Academy Converter’ establishment, having applied to convert to academy status.