A SCHOOL that 'Required Improvement' only two years ago has jumped to 'Good' in its latest inspection.

The Burgate School and Sixth Form was visited by Ofsted inspectors last month who awarded the improved ranking, even rating the establishment as 'Outstanding' in areas including the effectiveness of leadership and management, personal development, behaviour and welfare, and 16 to 19 study programmes.

According to the report it was the "leaders' ambition and determination" that has improved the school since the 2017 inspection, as well as "effective teaching" and pupils that are "safe, happy and have very positive attitudes to their learning".

Additionally the report states that the curriculum is "broad and balanced" and "differences between outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and other pupils in the school are diminishing steadily".

Headteacher at Burgate David Pover was "delighted" with the report.

He said: "When I consider the judgement we were given just over two years ago, the journey we have been on since then has been remarkable.

"In fact, looking back over reports since the early 1990s, I believe this to be the best Ofsted report that the school has ever received."

In the previous Ofsted report, the team at Burgate were asked to improve their teaching and management, the quality of learning and consequently student outcomes.

Mr Pover added: "The quality of teaching has improved since the previous inspection because we have raised expectations of the standards required.

"Published outcomes show a year-on-year improvement since 2016. In 2018, the overall Progress 8 score was well above the national average and placed us third in Hampshire.

"Our pupils’ conduct and approach to learning are exceptional and they relish the opportunities we provide."

To improve further the watchdog has advised that the same quality of teaching must be shared across all subjects, including maths and science, and the key stage three curriculum needs more development so pupils have more interest and understanding of topics.

Chairman of trustees at Burgate, Jenny Hair, said: "Everyone has worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure that every child at Burgate receives the best educational experience possible.

"I am really pleased that this has been acknowledged by Ofsted."