Ofsted has given Hathaway Academy a "good" rating, the council announced today.

The co-educational secondary school on Hathaway Road in Grays received the rating in all four Ofsted areas: leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching and achievement of pupils.

Council Leader John Kent, who is also education portfolio holder, welcomed Ofsted’s decision, saying the school had a place 'close to his heart'.

The education portfolio holder also revealed that he and his children all attended the same school.

Mr Kent said: “It was 30 years and more ago when I stepped through the gates of what was then The Grays School in Hathaway Road. One of my children has also completed their secondary education there and a second is doing so now.

“No wonder this report gives me such pleasure.”

The report highlighted improving GCSE grades and good student behaviour.

Mr Kent added: “Whether it is The Grays School, the Grays School Media Arts College, or the Hathaway Academy, this little piece of the Thurrock landscape has a place close to my heart as I know it has for thousands of us.

“I was pleased six years ago, to be asked to be on the Interim Executive Board and I know how much hard work has been put in since then, so I have written to Head of Academy, Fatima Rodrigues, passing on my congratulations on scoring so well across the board.

“We all know the next step, but I don’t want to put that sort of pressure on the great team at the school.

“Reading the inspection report I’m particularly pleased to see that not only are GCSE grades improving but that Ofsted noted student behaviour is good and that they are proud of their school … as am I.

“Well done to all.”