STUDENTS and staff are celebrating after Dorchester’s Thomas Hardye School was ranked as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.

Following a visit by inspectors in March the school was awarded an outstanding rating in all aspects, which included its leadership and management, the behaviour and safety of its pupils, its quality of teaching, the achievement of pupils and the school’s sixth form provision.

The report listed just one thing the school could do to improve - to ensure consistency in teachers’ marking, and that feedback provides advice to students about how to improve their work.

This inspection is the first the school has had since it was converted to an academy in February 2012.

Headteacher Mike Foley said the report ‘captured the spirit of the school’ alongside the exceptional levels of achievement and the exemplary behaviour of students.

He added: “It’s a reward for the hard work of the students, teachers and the entire school community.

“We’re particularly pleased to see that the inspectors recognised that Thomas Hardye is a fully inclusive school and that achievement is outstanding for all our students.

“Sixth Form teaching was described as ‘inspirational’ and it is this level of performance that has consistently led to the best results in Dorset.

“Inspectors saw a real passion for learning in our students. The school is characterised by high expectations and our students have the best possible preparation to meet their ambitions.”

In the latest Ofsted report published online, inspectors said the headteacher has set a very clear direction for the school to provide a first-class education for all students, and is adeptly supported by highly skilled senior leaders.

It added: “The leaders, managers and governors are highly ambitious for the school, governance is very strong, student behaviour is exemplary and the school’s work to keep students safe and secure is outstanding.

“The quality of teaching enables all students to learn exceptionally well.

“The specialist provision for students with disabilities and special educational needs is also outstanding.”

Inspectors observed 41 lessons, including 24 which were jointly observed with members of the senior leadership team.

They reviewed records of attendance and behaviour, including bullying and racist incident logs. Inspectors also took account of the 145 responses to an online questionnaire, and letters from parents.

Inspectors also praised the leadership of the sixth form, and said ‘inspirational teaching’ in the sixth form ensures that all students make outstanding progress.

The report added: “By the end of Year 11 students achieve standards significantly above those found nationally, especially in English and mathematics.

“School leaders thoroughly evaluate the performance of the school, and staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school.

“Students benefit from an exceptional range of enrichment activities.”