A SCHOOL’s Ofsted rating leapt from requires improvement to outstanding, in just twelve months.

When inspectors visited the Quarry Hill Academy in Grays last July, they found some pupil’s progress and teaching standards lacked consistency.

But following this month’s inspection, the academy in Bradleigh Avenue scored outstanding across four of the five categories.

An inspector said: “Pupils’ written work is of a very high standard. There are many opportunities for pupils to write at length and in detail across a range of subjects.

“Pupils enjoy school and love learning. Pupils show high levels of respect towards adults and one another. It is a happy school in which pupils feel extremely safe.

“The headteacher provides outstanding leadership. Together with an extremely strong leadership team he has brought about significant improvements since the previous inspection.

“By the end of year 6, the progress disadvantaged pupils make is better than other pupils nationally.”

Headteacher Tony Parfett welcomed the result and praised staff student and teachers for their hard.

The school scored outstanding for leadership, pupil’s behaviour, teaching quality, and the overall outcome for children.

It also scored good for early year provision.

Mr Parfett said: “The inspection clearly demonstrates the drive and determination of staff to provide the very best education for every child.

“We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements and this cements the outstanding outcomes that our pupils gained this year, which yet again exceeded national expectations.

“The teachers and children deserve this accolade for these incredible improvements - what a fantastic team.”

An inspector who spoke to children during the June inspection described the pupils as happy.

He said: “Comments such as, ‘coming to school brings a smile to my face’, ‘amazing teachers’, ‘no one is left out’ and ‘If you are sad, other children cheer you up’ are typical pupil views.

“The school is characterised by happy pupils who play and work well together.

“All of the pupils who spoke to inspectors or completed the school’s questionnaire said they loved being in school.”

Councillor James Halden, Portfolio Holder for Education, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole school community and for the whole borough.

"It shows that our schools across Thurrock are improving and staff, parents and teachers are working together for the good of the next generation.

“Once again, my congratulations goes out to the Quarry Hill Academy community.”